Cognac: The Seductive Saga of the World's Most Coveted Spirit

Kyle Jarrard offers a comprehensive history of Cognac, tracing its origins to the 1500s and its evolution into a globally prized spirit. As a senior editor at the International Herald Tribune and author of acclaimed novels such as Over There and Rolling the Bones, Jarrard brings scholarly depth to this narrative. The text examines how distillers survived vineyard die-offs and the German occupation while detailing the operations of legendary brands including Hennessy, Remy-Martin, Courvoisier, Martell, and Delamain. The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at these companies, explaining how their past decisions shape the Cognacs of tomorrow. Victor Hugo once called this drink the brandy of the gods, a sentiment that underscores its reputation for refinement. The work is organized to cover both the historical challenges and the commercial realities of production. It serves as a suitable gift for those who appreciate the specific heritage of French spirits. Readers seeking technical distillation recipes or cocktail instructions may find this volume less useful. This title focuses on the saga of the spirit itself rather than practical mixing guides. The narrative relies on Jarrard’s editorial background to present a clear account of the industry's resilience and growth over centuries.