How long can you keep Cognac?

In the period of oak aging in barrels, which can take years, there has been positive aging. Once the brandy is in the bottle, that aging stopped.

If the bottle is protected from light, it has not been opened, and the cork has not been altered, you are able to preserve your bottle of Fine Cognac for a really long time!  However, be aware that in contrary to wine, Cognac does not age in the bottle, so it will not improve with time. So, Cognac in a bottle is a ‘dead’ product with an basically unlimited shelf life, as long as it is unopened!

Once the bottle is opened, the contents may begin to evaporate slowly and some flavor may be lost over time, but the alcohol will remain safe to consume.

If the bottle has been opened and a part of the content is poured out, a part of the volatile components (formed during distillation and bearings), and evaporates in the empty space of the bottle. The less liquid in the bottle and the more empty space means a worse air / liquid ratio. The evaporation of volatile compounds means that the drink will taste flatter.

There is no official termination date for the sustainability of an open bottle of cognac.

A guide that you can hold: a half-full bottle of cognac is maintainable for about 3 years. Even afterwards this period the Cognac will remain safe to consume, only the quality is lower. For example, you can use it for cooking.

The most important element for storing Cognac is to store the bottle of cognac upright/vertically. Otherwise the cork will be pulverized.

For questions? Ask below or on our Cognac Forum!

• How to store Cognac?