Cognac, the revered French brandy, is celebrated worldwide for its unmatched quality and sophisticated flavors. With so many brands on offer, knowing which ones truly stand out can enhance your tasting experience. From established houses with centuries of heritage to newer players making waves, there are numerous options catering to both traditional and modern palates. Curious to discover which brands are considered the best in the world of cognac? Read on to find the top contenders and what makes them exceptional.
Illustration of cognac
Best brands of cognac in 2025
Hennessy
Hennessy is the leading brand of cognac, dominating the market with over 60% share in the U.S. and selling around seven million 9-liter cases globally in 2023. The brand has consistently shown growth, with its VS and VSOP products experiencing double-digit growth, and its XO variant seeing a 22% increase in sales after a significant price drop. For more details on their offerings, visit the official Hennessy website.
Rémy Martin
Remy Martin is a renowned producer of cognac, with a rich heritage spanning over three centuries since its founding in 1724. The brand is known for its exclusive use of eaux-de-vie from the Grande and Petite Champagne crus, offering the greatest ageing potential. Remy Martin holds a significant market share, with 99% of its shipments in the high-quality QS segment, accounting for 24% of this segment by volume. The brand's VSOP and other Fine Champagne cognacs are highly acclaimed for their rich and harmonious aromas. Remy Martin's market share of cognac shipments is 12% by volume, solidifying its position in the high-end segment. For more information, visit the Remy Martin website.
Martell
Martell, founded in 1715, is the world's second-largest cognac producer, trailing only Hennessy. With a rich 300-year history, Martell sold 2.3 million 9-litre cases worldwide in 2023, despite an 11.1% volume decline from 2021. The brand is a key subsidiary of the Pernod Ricard group and has been the world leader in the Extra Old segment since 2011. Martell's sales growth was notable in 2019, with an 18% increase and an 11% growth in volumes sold. China remains a significant market for Martell, accounting for more than half of its exports. For more detailed information about this historic brand, please visit the Martell Cognac company page.
Courvoisier
Courvoisier, one of the "big four" cognac houses, is renowned for its high-quality cognacs produced in the Charente region of France. Founded by Felix Courvoisier and Jules Gallois in 1828, the brand is known for its unique production process, sourcing eaux-de-vie from the finest crus such as Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, and Fin Bois. In 2019, Courvoisier exported approximately 1.4 million nine-litre cases of its cognacs, and as of 2022, its revenue stood at EUR172.4 million. The brand is currently owned by the Campari Group since May 2024. Courvoisier's cognacs are aged in handmade barrels from 200-year-old oak from the Troncais forest.
Camus
Camus Cognac is a distinguished producer in the cognac industry, known for its high-quality products and strategic market approach. With an annual turnover of US$80 million, 98% of which comes from export markets, Camus has established itself as a significant player, albeit a modest one, producing up to 2.4 million bottles per year to focus on quality over volume. The brand is driven by an ambition to be a prominent luxury name, emphasizing craftsmanship, verticalization of production, and sustainable practices like recycling and refilling. Despite market fluctuations, Camus has seen constant growth in demand, particularly driven by premiumization and the development of cocktail culture. The brand's commitment to preserving the land and enhancing the emotional and sensory experience of each bottle sets it apart in the luxury cognac segment. To learn more about their unique production process, visit their website.
Pierre Ferrand
Pierre Ferrand is renowned as one of the best producers of cognac, with a legacy spanning over 10 generations since 1630. Their cognacs are made from 100% Grande Champagne, the most prestigious cru representing only 17% of the Cognac vineyards. The brand is known for its slow distillation in small, 25 hectolitres capacity pot stills with onion-shaped heads, and aging in French oak barrels to enhance the flavors. The 1840 Original Formula, for instance, is a blend of 85% 10-year-old cognacs and 15% very old cognacs, designed to revive the old-fashioned cocktail cognacs with a 45% ABV. Ferrand's commitment to traditional methods and innovative techniques, such as using chestnut wood barrels for some of their products, sets them apart in the industry. For more details on their exceptional cognac offerings, visit Pierre Ferrand Cognac.
Hardy
Hardy Cognac, founded in 1863 by Anthony Hardy, is one of the oldest and most renowned cognac houses in the Charente region, known for its exceptional quality and rich aromas. With over 160 years of history, Hardy has established itself as a benchmark in the world of cognac, offering a range of cognacs from VSOP to Hors d'Age, each reflecting ancestral know-how and innovation. The brand is committed to sustainable practices and reducing its environmental footprint. Hardy's cognacs are characterized by their complex flavors and unrivaled finesse, making them a standout in the industry. This dedication to excellence has contributed to Hardy's esteemed position among cognac producers. Learn more about Hardy's exceptional cognacs.
Delamain
Delamain, one of the oldest and most prestigious cognac houses, was established in 1824 with roots tracing back to 1751 when Irishman James Delamain entered the cognac trade. Known for producing only XO and above cognacs, Delamain exclusively uses eaux-de-vie from the Grande Champagne region, recognized as cognac's finest terroir. The company's annual production is in the low six figures, reflecting its quality-over-quantity approach, with about 80% of its bottling consisting of the flagship Pale & Dry XO. Delamain was elected to the Comite Colbert in 2021, highlighting its commitment to French luxury and tradition. In 2020, Delamain celebrated the 100th anniversary of its Pale & Dry XO and launched the Pleiade range of limited-edition cognacs. For more detailed information, you can refer to Delamain's page on Wikipedia.
Hine
Hine, a prestigious cognac house located in Jarnac, France, has been a cornerstone of cognac production since 1763. Known for its unique "early landed" cognacs aged in England, Hine stands out in the industry. The brand's cognac is distilled at the St. Denis distillery, where Hine accounts for only 10% of the output, and is produced using traditional double distillation in Charentais pot stills, resulting in a spirit of 70-72% ABV. Despite recent market slowdowns, the cognac sector, including Hine, saw historic rises in volume and value in 2019, 2021, and 2022. Hine's commitment to quality and innovation continues to drive the brand's success.
Frapin
Frapin is one of the esteemed producers of cognac, with a rich history dating back to 1270 and spanning over 21 generations. The family-owned estate, located in the heart of the Grande Champagne region, boasts 240 hectares of vineyards and is the only cognac house permitted to use the title "Chateau" within this prestigious cru. Frapin is known for its innovative and sustainable practices, including a large basin for treating wine effluents, which enhances soil health and grape quality. The brand is acclaimed for its high-quality cognacs, with 85% of their sales consisting of superior, older cognacs, and they have received numerous international awards for their products. Frapin's cognacs are sold in over 75 countries, with around 10% sold within France. Learn more about Frapin's celebrated cognac heritage.
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