Cognac and brandy are among the world's oldest and most elegant spirits. Whether you've seen rappers toasting with Hennessy or watched Don Draper sip an Old Fashioned with brandy, these spirits carry serious prestige. At Buffalo House Liquor & Wines, we carry over 20 cognacs and brandies for sipping, mixing, and gifting.
Cognac is brandy, but brandy isn't always cognac. Cognac must come from the Cognac region of France and follow strict production rules. Brandy is the broader category — any spirit distilled from fruit (usually grapes).
Understanding Cognac Age Grades
Cognac labels tell you how long the youngest spirit in the blend has been aged:
- VS (Very Special) — Aged at least 2 years. Young, vibrant, and fruit-forward. Best for cocktails.
- VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) — Aged at least 4 years. Smoother, with more complexity. Great for sipping or cocktails.
- XO (Extra Old) — Aged at least 10 years (previously 6). Rich, deep, and luxurious. Sipping only — don't mix this.
- XXO — Aged at least 14 years. The newest official category. Ultra-premium.
Cognac vs. Other Brandies
Beyond cognac, the brandy world includes:
- Armagnac — From Gascony, France. Single-distilled (vs. cognac's double distillation), giving it a more rustic, robust character.
- American Brandy — Brands like Christian Brothers and E&J are smooth, affordable, and mix well.
- Calvados — Apple brandy from Normandy, France.
- Pisco — Grape brandy from Peru and Chile, essential for Pisco Sours.
Our Top Cognac & Brandy Picks
Hennessy VSOP
$67.99
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Hennessy VS
$46.99
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Christian Brothers VSOP
$12.99
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B&B Brandy Liqueur
$52.99
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How to Drink Cognac
The way you drink cognac depends on the grade:
- VS cognac — Mix it. Use in cocktails like the Sidecar, French Connection, or Hennessy & Coke.
- VSOP cognac — Sip it neat or with a single ice cube. Also works in upscale cocktails.
- XO cognac — Sip it neat in a tulip glass or snifter at room temperature. Let it breathe for a few minutes before your first sip.
Classic Cognac Cocktails
The Sidecar: 2 oz cognac, 1 oz Cointreau, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice. Shake with ice, strain into a sugar-rimmed coupe glass. Elegant and timeless.
French Connection: 1.5 oz cognac, 0.75 oz amaretto. Pour over ice in a rocks glass. Simple, warm, and perfect for after dinner.
Gift idea: A bottle of Hennessy VSOP is one of the most universally appreciated spirit gifts. It's premium enough to impress but accessible enough that anyone can enjoy it.
Visit Buffalo House Liquor & Wines in Tonawanda, NY for our complete cognac and brandy selection. We'll help you pick the perfect bottle for any occasion.
