master-cooks | The Cognac You Should Order With Chocolate Desserts

When pairing cognac with chocolate desserts, the key lies in balancing the rich, complex flavors of both the spirit and the sweet treat. A VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) cognac is often recommended for its harmonious blend of fruitiness, floral notes, and hints of spice, which complement the deep, bittersweet flavors of dark chocolate. This type of cognac is aged for at least four years, allowing it to develop a smooth, well-rounded character that enhances the tasting experience. When matched with chocolate desserts, the cognac's notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and subtle oak can highlight the nuanced flavors of the chocolate, creating a delightful contrast and balance. For those who prefer milk or white chocolate, an XO (Extra Old) cognac can be a more suitable choice, as its richer, more complex profile can stand up to the creamier, sweeter notes of these chocolates. XO cognacs are aged for at least ten years, developing a luxurious depth with flavors of toasted nuts, caramel, and rich spices that can elevate the dessert pairing. Ultimately, the choice of cognac depends on personal taste and the specific characteristics of the chocolate dessert, but these guidelines can help create a memorable and indulgent experience.

Aging your cognac into the perfect dessert

Finding XO cognac is quite simple, as most major brands that produce this brandy offer it — from Rémy Martin and Hennessy to Costco's Kirkland Signature cognac, you'll find XO varieties available. While XO can be on the pricier side, it justifies the cost. This brandy, aged for a longer period, develops a richer, oaky flavor from the barrel, resulting in a more sophisticated taste with some bitter, dry notes. In contrast, VS ("very special") cognac is aged for a minimum of two years, and VSOP ("very superior old pale") cognac is aged for at least four years. Cognacs typically consist of a blend of various eau-de-vie batches, with the age of the youngest eau-de-vie determining whether it is classified as XO, VS, or VSOP.

XO cognac pairs beautifully with chocolate, particularly due to its dry, woody notes. High-quality dark chocolate complements the fruity and woody flavors of XO cognac, which, being a barrel-aged fruit wine, has an abundance of both. However, if you have other chocolate preferences, there are several options that also pair well with XO cognac.

Ideal chocolates for cognac pairing

The reason dark chocolate pairs so well with XO cognac is its bold, pleasantly bitter flavor profile, which comes from its higher cacao content. Dark chocolate contains over 50% cacao, whereas milk chocolate has less than 50% and compensates with added milk and sugar. The best flavor pairings often involve either similar or contrasting tastes, and the bitter richness of XO cognac aligns nicely with the deep notes of dark chocolate, which Natalie Migliarini highlights as significant.

On the other hand, milk chocolate offers a sweeter and creamier experience, providing enough contrast to still create a harmonious pairing. If you're worried about heavy metals in dark chocolate, it's not essential for this dessert combination. White chocolate, which is sometimes debated as true chocolate since it only contains cocoa butter and not cocoa liquor, may complement softer cognacs like VSOP better due to its buttery, creamy flavor. Ultimately, the choice is yours. By dessert time, most people are likely to enjoy a drink and any type of chocolate. However, a well-thought-out pairing can leave a lasting impression.

The Cognac You Should Order With Chocolate Desserts

Aging your cognac into the perfect dessert

Ideal chocolates for cognac pairing

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