In-depth anwers
Frequently Asked Questions
Once opened, can cognac be kept indefinitely?
No. The taste of spirits (and thus of cognac as well) is affected by ageing. This ageing is positive in nature while cognac is undergoing its maturation in oak casks. This positive ageing ceases once the cognac has been bottled. When a bottle is opened and part of its contents has been poured out, some of the volatile components formed during distillation and ageing will evaporate and occupy the empty portion of the bottle. The cognac’s subtle nuances start to be lost as a result of this. The less cognac that remains in the bottle and the greater the empty space left behind, the less favourable is the air/spirit ratio. The evaporation of its volatile compounds means that the cognac will begin to taste blander and weaker. However, there is no official expiry date regarding the shelf life of an opened bottle of cognac. Nevertheless, as a rule of thumb, one can say that a bottle which is at least half full can be kept for up to three years. This is a way of ensuring that your cognac stays at its best.
What is the best way of drinking my Joseph Guy cognac?
Joseph Guy is best imbibed at cellar temperature, which is to say between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius. When cognac is too lukewarm it can taste rather tart. However, cognac should not be too cool either, because this prevents its aroma from being released. The famous tulip-bowl glass is specially designed for cognac, because the stem can be held between two fingers while allowing the base of the glass to rest in the hollow of the hand, subtly warming the glass in the process. Moreover, the narrower mouth of the glass has the effect of preventing the aroma from dissipating too quickly. Being able to savour its aroma before drinking is very important. It is as if one were tasting with one’s nose. Whether you most enjoy your cognac neat or mixed is a very personal matter. The V.S.O.P. has a very rich flavour, and thus many would consider it pity to mix it with anything. However, just for the sake of a change, or on occasions when drinking cognac as an aperitif instead of after a meal, it can also be a delicious alternative mixed. Click here for some special serving suggestions.
Can I also buy Joseph Guy in France?
No. It is true that Joseph Guy is made in France, but it is not sold there. Joseph Guy is produced by Louis Royer, a renowned cognac house in Jarnac (a town on the Charente river in the heart of the Cognac district). Louis Royer was chosen because of its wealth of history and great expertise.
Questions of your own to ask?
If you would like to know more about Joseph Guy in particular and/or about cognac in general, please ask your question here.