How to Fake Drinking Cognac Like the Dashing Heir to a Cognac Empire

Cyril Camus, Dashing Cognac Heir

If you're the dashing heir to a cognac empire like Cyril Camus, you've been drinking the stuff since your parents put it on your gums as a baby. But for the rest of us who are merely heirs and heiresses to mining or shipping dynasties, we might be able to use a little help when it comes to selecting and enjoying cognac. Not to mention faking like you know what you're talking about.

Despite being the fifth largest cognac house in the world, Camus only entered the US market three years ago. This summer, they have introduced a new line of cognac expressions to the US market. We sat down with Cyril Camus, president of Camus Cognac, to figure out how we can make like a cognac heir, without the whole squaring-off-against-wild-boar-with-only-a-knife thing.

We started with the basics.

Cyril Camus's Tips for First-Time Cognac Drinkers:

1. "For a first-time cognac drinker, the most expensive is not always the most appropriate. A younger cognac can be good for sipping, for a cocktail base or on the rocks."

2. "People think that cognac is too expensive for a cocktail. But cognac is one of the densest cocktail bases so you don't need as much to influence the cocktail. One ounce of cognac is does same as two of another spirit."

3. "Cognac is great on the rocks and is often overlooked. You definitely do not want crushed ice. A couple of big blocks of ice will do."

4. "You want it on the nose first and then on the palate. Always bring it to the nose first."

5. "I think there is too much emphasis on terms to describe taste. With cognac, people should talk about emotions and sensations. That's what's important."

6. "It opens like wine when you pour it. Fifteen minutes later, it's a different taste. If you're enjoying it over half an hour, you will find more to it every time you bring it to your nose. Other spirits fade out but cognac does not."