National Cognac Day
National Cognac Day celebrates cognac, a grape-based spirit produced in France’s Cognac region. Cognac is a type of brandy made from specific white grapes; the resulting wine is double-distilled in copper stills and aged in French oak for at least two years. These requirements, along with the spirit’s geographic origin, distinguish cognac from brandy made elsewhere. The Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac identifies VS, VSOP, and XO as age classifications based on the youngest spirit in a blend.
Observed annually in the United States on June 4, National Cognac Day is an unofficial celebration whose exact origins are unclear. One account suggests that the U.S. cognac industry established it to promote and celebrate the spirit, while June 4 has also been associated with the start of the cognac season in France. However it began, the day offers an opportunity to explore cognac’s production, regional identity, and range of flavors. It may be enjoyed on its own, in cocktails, or alongside food.
How to Observe National Cognac Day
Celebrate by learning how cognac is made and comparing different age classifications, such as VS, VSOP, and XO. Enjoy a responsible tasting at home or visit a bar or restaurant that serves cognac. Try it neat, in a cocktail, or paired with food, and share your impressions with friends. If you drink, do so responsibly and never drive afterward.


