Cognac and Chinese brandy to get focus at ProWein

The 25th edition of ProWein in Düsseldorf is set to host a unique educational tasting of leading Cognac brands and innovative Chinese brandies.

The tasting will compare top end Cognacs with Chinese brandy. (Photo: Wiki)

Hosted by the drinks business and sister title The Spirits Business, the tasting will take place at 2pm on Monday 18 March at ProWein in Düsseldorf, Germany.

A panel of experts will taste a selection of the world’s most famous XO Cognacs, and compare these to high-end brandy made in China at the event.

The tasting will allow industry insiders to assess how the flavour profile of established Cognac brands compares with super-premium brandies made in China, principally Koya XO, which is aged for 15 years.

“As high-class brandy emerges from markets around the world, it will be interesting to see how disruptive players compare to the established names in Cognac,” said Amy Hopkins, editor of The Spirits Business, who will co-chair the tasting with Patrick Schmitt MW, editor-in-chief of the drinks business.

“Cognac producers are increasingly seeking to establish a point of difference and innovate, meaning cross-category competition will inevitably rise.

“This tasting will seek to discover how established XOs stand up to brandies that are less restricted when it comes to production regulations, and are growing in terms of both quality and popularity.”

For more information on taking part in the tasting, contact Sophie Allan – sophie.allan@thedrinksbusiness.com.