A year of Cognac: 2024's must-try vintages

Indulge in the refined world of cognac as we present our curated selection of exceptional spirits for 2024. From time-honoured houses to innovative wavemakers carving their way into the luxury sphere, Olivia Bullock has shortlisted seven of the finest special edition cognacs

Rémy Martin 300th Anniversary Coupe 

Celebrating its 300th anniversary, Rémy Martin marks the tricentenary with the theme ‘We Dream Forward’ and the release of its new edition the 300th Anniversary Coupe. Using cognac from the Réserve Perpétuelle in the Grand Champagne Terroir, the new blend combines candied fruit, passion fruit, fig, exotic fruits, nuts and discreet oaky notes on the palette. Situated in the centre of the Cognac region, Grande Champagne is known for the exceptional aromatic quality and ageing potential of its eaux-de-vie. The 300th Rémy Martin Anniversary Coupe debuted in Hong Kong in March 2024. Its bottle was inspired by the previous Coupe of the 290th (which was nourished by the eaux-de-vie from the 275th Coupe) and came to be from the creative mind of Baptiste Loiseau. With only 6,724 bottles globally, you may need to get your hands on it quickly.

Hennessy Master Blender Selection No.5 

Releasing its first master blender selection in three years, Hennessy graces us with its limited edition blend by Renaud Fillioux de Gironde, an 8th generation Master Blender. It is no surprise with Hennessy’s savoir-faire that their master blender selections require a minimum of seven years of ageing in French oak barrel crates. Pastry notes of cocoa and sweet spices create a comforting creaminess and a hint of tobacco and candied orange creating a sweet, strong fruitiness, a must-try!

Les Remarquables de Martell: a cognac more precious than gold

Maison Martell not only unveils their most expensive cognac collection, but the most expensive cognac in a dame-jeanne. Each year, the luxury house releases a new collection, with a new blend and a new collaboration. The uniquely blended collections are crafted as a one-off and will never be reproduced again. Cellar Master Christophe selected just two eaux-de-vie distilled over 70 years ago and sourced from Grand Champagne. 

Camus Poet and Birds Collection

As Camus lays the foundations as a luxury brand, their new Poets and Birds Collection certainly serves to impress. Brazilian artist Janaïna Milheiro pays tribute to the ‘most elegant and refined animals of the animal kingdom, birds.’ With vineyards largely based in the Borderies, with some of the rarest of the Cognac crus, it is no surprise the palette is very smooth, with flavours going between candied fruits (lemon, grapefruit) and ripe fruits (pear, apricot). Camus has indeed entered the realm of luxury and has done it in style.

Delamain Pale and Dry XO Cognac

Delamain graces us with its Pale and Dry XO Cognac and its exquisite blend of long-aged XO Grande Champagne Cognacs. The blend crafted exclusively from the Grand Champagne region is aged in old oak barrels allowing for the eaux-de-vie to develop beautifully. Aromas of vanilla and apricot, alongside fresh notes of passion fruit, orange zest, and almond produce a wonderful aroma. The wonderfully smooth drink is intense but perfectly balanced. 

Hine Rare Cognac

Hine’s VSOP cognac charms the palette with a magnificent blend from Grande and Petite Champagne regions featuring notes of floral, ripe fruits and subtle spices. The intense palette produces notes of marmalade, toffee apples and stem ginger, and hints of rum spice. Created over 50 years ago, the blend is remarkably smooth and soft.

Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac

Commissioned by Britain’s King Edward VII in the 1900s, the liquor is appropriately titled the Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac. Tasting this cognac isn’t just an experience, it is a journey. The palette consists of fine decadent truffle aromas and a touch of opulent summer blossoms with a rich body of toasted hazelnuts, subtle honey, and cinnamon notes, which then ends with a long, powerful finish of cinnamon and honey. Sculpted to reflect a drop of perfume rippling out across a body of water, the bottle alone is a masterpiece. #legend concludes it is most definitely a drink fit for Kings and Queens. 

Fun fact: King Edward VII commissioned blend can still be found in the Paradis Cellar in Jarnac. 

Also see: Take a look at these 5 whisky options perfect for Father’s Day