Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac 70cl

Rémy Martin build their VSOP entirely from the two best crus in Cognac — roughly 55% Grande Champagne and 45% Petite Champagne — which is why the label says Fine Champagne rather than plain Cognac. That distinction actually means something in the glass.

The house sits at the heart of the region and has been distilling since 1724, working only with grapes from these chalky-soiled heartland vineyards. VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) is a legal ageing category: the youngest eaux-de-vie in the blend must be at least four years old, though Rémy Martin uses spirit older than that, matured in French oak.

Pour it and you get vibrant gold, then a nose of vanilla, ripe apricot and candied pear. The palate follows through with summer stone fruit and a lick of liquorice off the oak, all wrapped in a texture that's genuinely silky rather than hot. The finish is round and settled.

This is the workhorse of quality cognac — the bottle most people mean when they picture a good after-dinner brandy. At around £56 it drinks well above the entry tier and mixes into a Sidecar without you wincing at the cost.

How to Serve

Neat in a tulip glass at room temperature to show the fruit, or over a single large ice cube if you want it longer and fresher. It also carries a cocktail well — the vanilla and oak give a Sidecar real backbone.

Where to Drink It

The Connaught Bar in Mayfair for a properly made Sidecar. Dukes Bar in St James's for something quieter and more classic. Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood if you want a fire and a sofa.

Food Pairings

Lovely with a slab of dark chocolate tart, or alongside a plate of walnuts and aged hard cheese after dinner.