Photo: Hy鈥檚 Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
With all of Vancouver's chilly winter weather, it may be time to trade-in frosty pints for libations that will warm you from the inside out. Here's a brief history of Cognac and "Special Coffee", two favourites of the season.
"Water of Life"
Named for the French town and wine-growing region, Cognac鈥檚 production methods must meet the legal requirements that fall under Appellation d鈥檕rigine controlle designation. The area is divided into six cru designations, including Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, each distinguished by character unique to the local terroir. The region鈥檚 white wine used to make this brandy is predominantly Ugni Blanc, more commonly known as Trebbiano.
Photo: Hy鈥檚 Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
The wine鈥檚 high acidity and low alcohol are well suited for double distillation in copper stills, and subsequent aging for a minimum of two years in French oak barrels. Blending will take place to introduce complexity and 鈥渢erroir鈥� to the cognac; a blend is usually of different ages and different crus of the Cognac region, and the age of the blend will reflect its youngest component.
The detail on a Cognac鈥檚 label reflects the time spent in barrel. VS or Very Special will be a minimum of two years old. Very Superior Old Pale (VSOP) is at least four years old, and Extra Old (XO) is at least six years old; in 2018, the minimum age of an XO blend will be increased to ten years. Hors d鈥檃ge is an XO cognac 鈥渂eyond age鈥�, and typically much older than the legal minimum. Younger Cognac can be mixed, or used in craft cocktails; XO鈥檚 are best enjoyed on their own to appreciate a wide range of notes including toffee, oak and Christmas cake.
Photo: Hy鈥檚 Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
The French term Eau de Vie, or 鈥渨ater of life鈥�, refers to any brandy made from fruit other than grapes. However, it鈥檚 common for the term to refer to Cognac, and how better to describe the extraordinary warmth, complexity and mystery of this wonderful elixir.
Fancy a Coffee?
The local mega coffee chains may get all the attention these days, but long before seasonally spiced lattes became popular, fine restaurants were offering 鈥淪pecial Coffee鈥� lists after dinner. These fragrant concoctions combined the heat of fresh brew with old-school liqueurs, sipped through a cool froth of fresh cream and a sugared rim. Sometimes with a cinnamon stick, or fresh chocolate shavings, these delicious and boozy beverages were perfect for sampling some of the exotic flavors from behind the bar, and ending the meal with a sophisticated flourish.
Photo: Hy鈥檚 Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
At Hy鈥檚, we love this tradition. Our Irish Coffee is true to its Buena Vista Caf茅 roots, a perfect balance of sugar, coffee, whisky and cream. And, our table-side flaming coffees are a fun and festive addition to any holiday celebration. If you haven鈥檛 had a Special Coffee recently, treat yourself to a true original.
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