Cognac is a type of brandy that is produced in the Cognac region of France. It is made by distilling wine twice in copper pot stills and then aging the spirit in oak barrels for at least two years. Cognac is known for its complex flavors and aromas that develop during the aging process.
Heat can potentially impact the quality and taste of cognac in a few different ways:
Evaporation
When cognac is stored in high heat over an extended period, the alcohol can start to evaporate through the oak barrels. This evaporation is referred to as the “angel’s share”. Typically, the angel’s share is around 2-3% per year as the cognac ages. However, higher heat levels can increase the evaporation rate and lead to a more rapid loss of alcohol.
This loss of alcohol can throw off the carefully balanced flavors of the cognac and potentially make it taste unbalanced or sharp. Over many years of aging, the angel’s share can significantly reduce the volume left in the barrel.
Oxidation
Heat can also increase the oxidation rate of cognac. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that occurs when the distilled spirit interacts with oxygen in the barrel over time. This oxidation contributes to the mature flavor and amber color of aged cognac.
However, too much heat speeds up oxidation, causing the cognac to mature faster than intended. This can result in a cognac that tastes overly oaky or has color that is darker than desired. The accelerated oxidation compromises the intricate flavors that properly aged cognac should develop.
Additives Breakdown
Some types of cognac have added sugars, caramel and other additives to enhance color and flavor. Prolonged heat exposure can cause these additives to breakdown or dissipate faster than normal.
This can change the cognac’s color and flavor profile compared to when it was first bottled. The result may be a flatter or less balanced taste.
Bottle Integrity
Significant, sustained heat can affect the structure and integrity of the glass bottle holding the cognac. The hot temperature may weaken or warp the glass overtime. In extreme cases, bottles can crack, break or have the stopper loosen if exposed to swings between hot and cold.
Any breach of the bottle will cause rapid, irreversible damage to the cognac. Once air can interact freely with the liquid, it will quickly oxidize and lose all desirable aromas and flavors.
So Does Cognac Go Bad in Heat?
Based on these potential effects, heat is not ideal for long-term cognac storage. However, brief or limited heat exposure is unlikely to badly damage a bottle of cognac.
For example, a bottle left in a hot car trunk for a few hours on a summer day may get warm. But the single exposure is not enough to significantly evaporate the spirit, accelerate oxidation or breakdown any additives. Even repeated short exposures to heat have minimal negative impact.
On the other hand, keeping bottles for months in consistently hot conditions can degrade the cognac over time. The higher the temperature, the faster the spirit is affected. Storing cognac long-term in a climate-controlled environment around 70°F (21°C) is best for preservation.
How to Tell if Cognac Has Gone Bad from Heat
Here are signs that indicate your cognac bottle may have been compromised from excessive heat:
- Very rapid evaporation – the level of cognac in the bottle drops noticeably despite not much being consumed
- Oxidized color – the rich amber hue becomes much darker than normal
- Dull or flat taste – the flavors seem muted, bitter or harsh instead of complex and smooth
- Off aromas – the classic vanilla, fruit and floral notes smell unfocused or like chemicals
- Cracked, damaged or leaking bottle – clear indicator the heat ruined the bottle seal and cognac
If you notice any of these warning signs, it is best to dispose of the cognac rather than drinking it.
How to Store Cognac in Hot Temperatures
If you need to keep cognac bottles in an environment prone to high heat, here are some tips to minimize the impact:
- Select a dark, low-humidity storage area like a basement or interior closet
- Keep bottles out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like appliances
- Use air conditioning to maintain a consistent, moderate temperature if possible
- Purchase a wine/spirit cooler or fridge designed for long-term storage
- Keep bottles sealed and stored horizontally to keep the corks moist
- Rotate stock regularly if aging cognac long-term
With proper precautions, cognac can successfully be kept in hotter conditions for short periods before developing defects. But avoid letting it sit in sustained heat above 80°F (27°C) whenever possible.
How Long Does Cognac Last After Opening?
Once a cognac bottle is opened, the oxygen in air starts oxidizing and evaporating the spirit much faster. An opened bottle also eliminates the protective qualities of the cork and glass to retain the quality.
In general, an opened bottle of cognac will last:
- 6 months – 1 year after opening when stored properly
- 2-3 months after opening if the bottle is less than half full
Higher heat significantly shortens this timeline. At hot temperatures, opened cognac can decline in as little as 1-2 months due to rapid oxidation.
To maximize opened shelf life, store cognac bottles upright and tightly re-corked in a cool place away from light. Refrigeration also helps slow oxidation but can dull the subtle flavors.
Identifying When Opened Cognac Goes Bad
Watch for these signs that an opened cognac bottle has expired:
- Pronounced odor – sharp alcoholic smell instead of mellow, enticing aromas
- Noticeable fading – the cognac loses vibrancy in color, body or taste
- Dryness or bitterness – overly astringent mouthfeel
- Vinegar-like smell – indicates acidic spoilage
- Cloudiness – the cognac looks hazy or opaque
Once opened cognac displays these degradations, it has oxidized too far and should not be consumed. Leaving the bottle with a small amount of cognac in it after opening will also shorten the shelf life.
Does Refrigeration Help?
Chilling cognac is a point of debate among experts. Some argue the cold dulls the aromas and flavors that quality cognac should express at room temperature. Others argue refrigeration can slow the effects of heat exposure and oxidation, prolonging the life of the spirit.
In general, refrigeration or freezing is not required for proper cognac storage. But it can help in certain circumstances:
- Short-term cooling minimizes heat damage if storing cognac somewhere hot is unavoidable
- Refrigerating open bottles around 40°F (4°C) slows oxidation
- Serving cognac chilled allows added dilution that accentuates aromas
Storing cognac long-term in the freezer is not advisable. The extreme cold could crack the bottle. It can also encourage evaporation each time the cognac warms up to room temperature after freezing.
Should You Decant Cognac Before Serving?
Decanting involves pouring cognac into a separate serving container like a decanter before serving. This is done to aerate the spirit and allow more complex aromas to develop.
Decanting is recommended for aged cognacs 15 years or older. The extra air contact releases more flavors trapped in the cognac that bottle aging didn’t open up. For young cognacs under 10 years old, decanting has minimal benefits.
To decant cognac properly:
- Select a clean, narrow decanter that allows surface area exposure
- Pour cognac smoothly into decanter to minimize bubbles
- Allow to sit for 5-15 minutes before serving to aerate
- Sample periodically to identify peak aroma/flavor moments
- Seal and refrigerate any leftovers to prevent over-oxidation
What’s the Best Glassware for Serving Cognac?
The tapered shape of a snifter maximizes the aromas and taste experience of cognac. The wide bottom allows you to warm the spirit in your palm to release vapors. The narrow mouth then captures the aromas for you to “sniff” before sipping.
Other suitable cognac glasses:
- Tulip glass – Similar bowl shape to concentrate vapors
- Balloon glass – Wider bowl to highlight aromas
- Copita – Narrow glass that intensifies grassy, floral notes
Avoid short, rocks glasses for cognac. They have limited surface area for aroma development.
Serving Temperatures
Cognac is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled if desired. Recommended serving temperature ranges:
- VS, VSOP – 64°F – 77°F (18°C – 25°C)
- XO, Extra Old – 68°F – 72°F (20°C – 22°C)
Allow refrigerated cognac to warm up in the glass for 10-15 minutes to reach ideal temperature for sipping. Colder dulls the aromas, while too warm makes flavors harsh.
What About Cooking with Cognac?
Cognac’s complex flavor makes it a popular spirit for cooking and culinary uses like:
- Deglazing pans or flavoring sauces
- Soaking cakes like tiramisu for added depth
- Poaching fruits like pears or plums
- Enhancing meats by marinating or basting
- Boosting flavor in chocolates, custards or parfaits
Cooking brings out stronger woody, spicy notes from cognac compared to sipping it straight. Balance the intensity by using small amounts in recipes as you would with wine or other alcohols.
When cooked, the nuances of aging and quality are less pronounced. Save your expensive, aged cognacs for drinking instead of cooking. But younger or entry-level cognacs work perfectly fine in recipes.
Substitutions in Cooking
If you don’t have cognac, suitable substitutions include:
- Armagnac – French brandy with similar flavor
- Brandy
- Sherry
- Marsala wine
- Bourbon or whiskey
While each imparts a slightly different character, they approximate the overall sweet, fruity, woody notes that cognac provides.
Common Types of Cognac
Cognac is classified based on how long it ages in oak barrels before bottling:
| Category | Minimum Aging Time |
|---|---|
| VS (Very Special) or *** (3 Star) | 2 years |
| VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) or Reserve | 4 years |
| XO (Extra Old) | 6 years |
| Napoléon or Extra | 6 years |
| Hors d’âge | 10 years or more |
Longer barrel aging leads to more complex, refined cognacs. But aging alone doesn’t guarantee quality – it comes down to the distiller’s skill and the conditions during aging.
Popular Cognac Brands
Some of the top cognac producers include:
- Hennessy
- Courvoisier
- Rémy Martin
- Martell
- Camus
- Otard
- Meukow
- Hardy
- Delamain
- Cognac Frapin
These brands offer a range of cognacs at various price points. Many also produce higher-end cognacs marketed under separate labels like Paradis (Hennessy) and Louis XIII (Rémy Martin).
Storing Bottles Properly
To get the most mileage and optimal flavor out of your cognac, store bottles correctly:
- Upright position – Keeps cork moist and tight
- Cool place – 60°F – 70°F (16°C – 21°C) is ideal
- Away from light – Prevent sun exposure and fluorescence
- Constant conditions – Minimize temperature and humidity fluctuations
- No strong odors – Cognac absorbs nearby scents
A dedicated cognac cellar is best, but not always feasible. Storing cognac in a wine fridge, cabinet or closet works well for maintaining perfect conditions at home.
Conclusion
Cognac is susceptible to damage from heat when stored improperly over long periods. Brief exposure will not cause significant decline in quality. But keeping bottles in sustained high heat can evaporate the cognac faster, accelerate oxidation and cause additives to breakdown.
Signs that heat exposure has ruined a cognac include overly rapid evaporation, overly dark color, flat or off tastes and a damaged bottle. Take steps like selecting cooler storage, using A/C and rotating stock to prevent heat damage when aging cognac.
Once opened, cognac oxidizes faster and only lasts up to 1 year when stored properly. Refrigeration and re-corking helps prolong opened shelf life. Overall, keep cognac away from direct light and heat. A consistent, moderate room temperature delivers the best flavor experience over time.
