Bulk brandy and cognac

Brandy is one of the oldest spirit drinks in the world, produced from wine. More than 1,000 years ago high-proof alcoholic drinks were distilled from wine in the area of present-day Turkey, and brandy spread across Europe from the High Middle Ages.

• Cognac (protected designation of origin) originates exclusively from wine-growing areas in the French départements of Charente and Charente-Maritime. Cognac is distilled by a two-stage process in a pot-still (known as an alembic Charentais) and then matures in an oak barrel for at least two years. Our fine bulk cognac is available as VS, VSOP and XO.
• Armagnac (protected designation of origin) originates exclusively from the wine-growing areas in the French départements of Gers, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne. Armagnac is distilled using a single-stage process in small distillation columns and then matures for at least one year in an oak barrel. Our bulk Armagnac is available as VS, VSOP and XO quality.

• VS stands for “Very Special” or “Very Superior”, which relates to products that have matured in oak barrels for at least two years.
• VSOP means “Very Superior Old Pale” or “Very Special Old Pale”. This abbreviation identifies cognac that has matured in oak barrels for at least four years.
• XO stands for “Extra Old”, which is cognac that has to mature for at least ten years.

The main difference lies in where it comes from and specific production regulations. All cognac is brandy, but not every brandy is cognac. Cognac is a special type of brandy. In order to be designated cognac, certain rules must be adhered to during production.

• Origin: cognac must be produced in a defined region in and around Cognac in France.
• Grape varieties: cognac mainly uses the Ugni Blanc grape variety. Other permitted varieties are Folle Blanche and Colombard.
• Distillation: cognac has to be distilled twice in traditional copper stills.
• Maturation: cognac has to mature in oak barrels from the Limousin- or Tronçais-regions. The minimum maturation time varies depending on the quality (VS, VSOP and XO).

• Pot-still brandy is distinguished by its traditional production method using a pot-still. This artisanal distillation process imparts a rich and robust character to the brandy. The pot-still, usually made of copper, allows for a more nuanced extraction of flavours from the base wine. The resulting brandy often carries intense and complex aromas, with a full-bodied taste profile. Connoisseurs appreciate pot-still brandy for its authenticity and the depth of flavours derived from the carefully crafted distillation process.
• Single-grape brandy is crafted from wine of a specific grape variety, showcasing the unique characteristics of that grape in the final product. This type of brandy allows for a focused exploration of the grape's flavour profile, offering a more distinct and varietal-driven experience. The choice of grape imparts specific notes to the brandy, ranging from fruity and floral to more complex and earthy tones. Single-grape brandy appeals to those who seek a refined and singular expression of the wines essence, highlighting the influence of grape selection on the overall taste and aroma of the brandy.

At SALCO, ensuring the exceptional quality of our selected bulk brandy and cognac is fundamental to our commitment to excellence. Here's how we maintain and safeguard the high standards of our products:

• Our own extensive infrastructure, ensuring that the maturation process for brown spirits is expertly managed
• Constant quality controls, enabling us to monitor and uphold the quality of our products consistently
• Certification: both SALCO and our partner businesses adhere to relevant industry standards
• Independent analyses conducted by accredited laboratories, providing an additional layer of assurance to our customers