The History of Courvoisier

Many people are afraid to step out of their comfort zone and try a new cocktail, but at Fire and Ice, we believe in helping our guests try something new! We want to tell you all about the history of Courvoisier Cognac.

While Cognac is a type of brandy, brandy is not a type of cognac. For a brandy to be considered a Cognac, it must be produced in the Cognac region of France. To control the quality of the wine being used, the owners of Courvoisier moved their business to Jarnac - the heart of the Cognac region in 1828. But how has it expanded since then and how did it become a staple behind the bar?

The Origin of Courvoisier

In 1809, Emmanuel Courvoisier decided to open a wine and spirit company on the outskirts of Paris. Being that the business wasn’t within the city walls, Courvoisier didn’t have to pay taxes on his trade. Over the next hundred years, the company was run by Courvoisier's relatives, being passed down and improved upon to stay in demand. In 1960, Courvoisier became the first brand of Cognac to be on television, which caused the brand to be a household name by the early 70s.

Throughout the 1980s, the brand began embarking on innovative ways to refine their Cognac and ensure that they were the most forward-thinking cognac houses of the time. They did this by using micro-distillation processes, buying and aging their own French oak, and storing the barrels in an upright position. Storing their barrels differently created more balanced aromas within their product.

As times changed and social media became more prevalent, Courvoisier stayed relevant. They created 3D commercials, updated their branding, and ensured mixologists across the world that their Cognac was a great addition to any cocktail. Before, many thought that Cognac and brandy could only be enjoyed straight, but many specialty drink menus feature Cognac in their cocktails. Fire and Ice rose to the occasion and created a delicious mixed drink to show off the versatility of Courvoisier Cognac.

Want to Try Courvoisier? Try the Marilyn!

The Marilyn is a mixed drink that features fresh apple cider, Courvoisier VSOP, Cointreau, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a luxardo maraschino cherry. The apple cider mixed with the sweet aroma from Courvoisier and the zing from the lemon juice leaves you wanting more! Make a reservation at Fire and Ice!