I’m broke, you broke, we all broke
So let’s take our broke asses to the sto’
And steal another bottle of X.O.

Short drinks have been making a comeback of late and can be seen adorning many a drinks list at some of the plushest hotels across the globes.

This includes fine Cognac which is aged to perfection in cask barrels. What was formerly deemed a poor man’s drink is now reserved for the rich and those who want to savour a drop of the good life.

In the States, what was once the preserve of mature white upper middle class America has become a favourite with the African American hip hop music scene. And there are several songs which talk about cognac, or ‘gnac as it is sometimes called, including the song ‘XO Shit’. This expertly distilled drink has created waves across the pond and beyond. Always prized in South East Asia among the wealthy Chinese, particularly in Hong Kong, Singapore and now Shanghai, cognac has truly become the well to do nectar of the Gods in many ports of call.

For a distilled brandy to bear the name Cognac, an Appellation d’origine contrôlée, its production methods must meet certain legal requirements. In particular, it must be made from specified grapes (see below), of which Ugni Blanc, known locally as Saint-Emilion, is the one most widely used.[2] The brandy must be twice distilled in copper pot stills and aged at least two years in French oak barrels from Limousin or Tronçais. Cognac matures in the same way as whiskies and wine when aged in barrels, and most cognacs are aged considerably longer than the minimum legal requirement.

Did you know the most expensive cognac sold at auction was a whopping one hundred thousand pounds? The honour goes to a highly prized Cuvee Leonie from 1858 which was eventually bought in Shanghai.

Frapin Cuvee 1888

So what is whetting the lips of cognac connoisseurs? How about the Frapin Cuvee 1888 just for starters?

Named after the founder of the company Pierre Frapin, you will see all the benefits in a beautifully presented crystal decanter case that also includes a stopper made entirely from 24 carat gold. If you have the Midas touch and want to drop some serious bills then this will set you back a cool four grand plus!

L’Esprit de Courvoisier

Meanwhile, L’Esprit de Courvoisier is considered to be one of the world’s most rarest vintage cognacs not to mention priciest. Made from only the best quality vintages that span across the last two centuries, the eau-de-vie (brandy) used in this little number is simply spectacular with some dating back from the time of Napoleon.

When it comes to the taste, it has subtle hints of port, coffee beans and a whiff of a Cuban cigar. This is tied in with spicy notes such as cinnamon and dry apricots. You may want to just surrender now to this near ten thousand dollar beauty which comes in a majestic Lalique crystal decanter.

Hine Triomphe Cognac, Talent De Thomas Hine

If money is no object then why not throw five grand on a bottle of Hine Triomphe Cognac, Talent De Thomas Hine.

This limited edition is another tribute to the actual founder. It comes in a Baccarat crystal decanter while the bottle itself is worthy of extreme decadence.

Originally produced in 1991, this particular cognac benefits from plenty of fruity undertones. If you are able to uncover it, admire the ostentatious presentation box that comes that comes in the form of a humidor using only the highest quality mahogany from Honduras.

Jenssen Arcana Hors d’Age Cognac

If that has not quenched your thirst to discover the wonderful world of cognac, then this just might. The elegant Jenssen Arcana Hors d’Age Cognac will convert even the most innocent of eaux-de-vie virgins.

This sinful and intense drink hails from the mountains of Grande Champagne. Pour comment over its hand blown crystal carafe which is the centrepiece of this fine 98 year old blend.

They are known for their valuable bottles with less than three hundred reputedly to be in existence. Cognac Jenssen is situated in what is known as the ‘golden triangle’ on Le Maine Pertubaud estate which is home to some 25 glorious acres of sprawling vineyards.

Godet Cognac Antarctica

Not all cognac has that luxurious amber glow, there is also cognac made from white grapes. Godet Cognac Antartica is made using Folle Blanche grapes and is aged up to 7 years. Once matured, it is filtered to remove all the colour to give a clean ultra cool appearance.