Cognac is a category of spirit that is steeped in history, and has been associated with quality in so many different ways for hundreds of years. To many modern drinkers, it has also been steeped in mystery, with governing bodies and definitions that many people, both bartenders and consumers, don’t always have the experience to understand.

To help us get to know the intricacies of Cognac, we reached out to ms. franky marshall. Not only a Modern Bartender (you’ll hear her in our Masterclass Series coming up soon), ms. marshall is also a certified spirits educator, and works with the governing body of Cognac—the BNIC—educating the trade on this most historic of spirits.

Don’t expect a dusty guide to such an exciting spirit. Our conversation touched on many topics that you won’t hear in a typical spirits lecture. We talked about the association with Hip Hop culture, classic Cognac cocktails, and if the regions of Cognac were styles of music, what would they be?

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