{"id":592353,"date":"2025-08-21T13:43:17","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T11:43:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/?p=592353"},"modified":"2026-02-06T16:58:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T15:58:23","slug":"distillation-cognac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/en\/distillation-cognac\/","title":{"rendered":"Distillation: unique expertise in the production of Cognac"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"338\" data-end=\"667\">The <strong data-start=\"341\" data-end=\"357\">distillation<\/strong> is one of the most iconic stages in Cognac production. It involves extracting volatile compounds from the wine to create eaux-de-vie that are rich in aroma and finesse. Much more than a simple technique, it is a true art form, passed down from generation to generation in the Cognac region.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"669\" data-end=\"840\">In this article, discover the history, principles, and specificities of the <strong data-start=\"749\" data-end=\"777\">charentaise distillation,<\/strong>still used today by all Cognac houses.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"847\" data-end=\"882\"><strong>What is distillation?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"883\" data-end=\"1071\">Distillation is a physical process to <strong data-start=\"938\" data-end=\"971\">separate the volatile elements<\/strong> (alcohol, aromas, water) from non-volatile elements (lees, solids) by heating a liquid.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1230\">\n<li data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1110\">\n<p data-start=\"1074\" data-end=\"1110\">The liquid is brought to a boil.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1111\" data-end=\"1164\">\n<p data-start=\"1113\" data-end=\"1164\">The alcohol and aroma vapors are collected.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1165\" data-end=\"1230\">\n<p data-start=\"1167\" data-end=\"1230\">They are cooled and then condensed to become liquid again.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1232\" data-end=\"1326\">This liquid obtained, called <strong data-start=\"1258\" data-end=\"1271\">distillat<\/strong>, has a much higher concentration of alcohol and aromas.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1328\" data-end=\"1454\">In the case of Cognac, this process transforms a simple, acidic white wine with low alcohol content into a refined eau-de-vie.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1328\" data-end=\"1454\">Used since ancient times, it is now an integral part of the production of prestigious spirits such as Cognac.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1005\" data-end=\"1061\"><strong>The origins and history of distillation<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"1062\" data-end=\"1407\">\n<li data-start=\"1062\" data-end=\"1127\">\n<p data-start=\"1064\" data-end=\"1127\">Antiquity: first traces among the Egyptians and Greeks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1192\">\n<p data-start=\"1130\" data-end=\"1192\">Middle Ages: Arab alchemists perfect the alembic.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1193\" data-end=\"1301\">\n<p data-start=\"1195\" data-end=\"1301\">16th century: arrival in Charente, where Dutch merchants distilled wines to preserve them.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1302\" data-end=\"1407\">\n<p data-start=\"1304\" data-end=\"1407\">Today: expertise passed down from generation to generation, protected by the Cognac Appellation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"1414\" data-end=\"1459\"><strong>Which products can be distilled?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"1460\" data-end=\"1735\">\n<li data-start=\"1460\" data-end=\"1498\">\n<p data-start=\"1462\" data-end=\"1498\"><strong data-start=\"1462\" data-end=\"1478\">White wine<\/strong> \u2192 Cognac base.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1499\" data-end=\"1547\">\n<p data-start=\"1501\" data-end=\"1547\"><strong data-start=\"1501\" data-end=\"1522\">Grape marc<\/strong> \u2192 marc eaux-de-vie<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1548\" data-end=\"1629\">\n<p data-start=\"1550\" data-end=\"1629\"><strong data-start=\"1550\" data-end=\"1562\">The lees<\/strong> \u2192 Distillation on lees, giving richness and roundness to the aromas.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1630\" data-end=\"1735\">\n<p data-start=\"1632\" data-end=\"1735\"><strong data-start=\"1632\" data-end=\"1653\">Other spirits<\/strong> : whiskey, rum, gin... all rely on specific distillation techniques.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"1461\" data-end=\"1515\"><strong>Charente distillation: a distinctive feature of Cognac<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1516\" data-end=\"1688\">The <strong data-start=\"1519\" data-end=\"1547\">charentaise distillation,<\/strong> is based on the <strong data-start=\"1562\" data-end=\"1585\">double distillation<\/strong>, or \u201cre-distillation.\u201d This method is mandatory for all Cognac with AOC certification.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1690\" data-end=\"1815\">It takes place only in a <strong data-start=\"1728\" data-end=\"1760\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/en\/alambic-charentais-histoire-distillation\/\">charentais still<\/a> made of copper<\/strong>, whose characteristics are defined by the INAO.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1822\" data-end=\"1863\"><strong><em>First distillation: the brouillis<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1864\" data-end=\"1909\">The white wine is heated for the first time.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1910\" data-end=\"2078\">\n<li data-start=\"1910\" data-end=\"1995\">\n<p data-start=\"1912\" data-end=\"1995\">This produces a cloudy liquid called <strong data-start=\"1949\" data-end=\"1962\">brouillis<\/strong>, with an alcohol content of between 27% and 32% vol.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1996\" data-end=\"2078\">\n<p data-start=\"1998\" data-end=\"2078\">This blend already has a beautiful aromatic concentration but remains raw.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"2085\" data-end=\"2130\"><strong><em>Second distillation: the right heat<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2131\" data-end=\"2199\">The second distillation is carried out only with the brouillis.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2200\" data-end=\"2424\">\n<li data-start=\"2200\" data-end=\"2276\">\n<p data-start=\"2202\" data-end=\"2276\">Only the <strong data-start=\"2210\" data-end=\"2229\">heart<\/strong> is preserved : it is the Cognac eau-de-vie.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2277\" data-end=\"2324\">\n<p data-start=\"2279\" data-end=\"2324\">Its alcohol content reaches 70 to 72% ABV.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2325\" data-end=\"2424\">\n<p data-start=\"2327\" data-end=\"2424\">The \u201cheads\u201d (too rich in alcohol) and \u201ctails\u201d (too low in alcohol) are discarded.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2603\">This step takes several hours and requires all the expertise of the <strong data-start=\"2496\" data-end=\"2516\">distiller<\/strong>. The slightest deviation in temperature or timing directly affects the final quality.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2603\"><strong>Our specialty: distillation on lees<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>At <strong>Guillon-Painturaud<\/strong>, we practice the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/en\/la-distillation-sur-lies\/\">distillation on lees<\/a>. Lees are the natural deposits of yeast and residue that remain in the vat after fermentation. Rather than discarding them, we incorporate them into the distillation process to:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1062\" data-end=\"1407\">\n<li data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1192\">\n<p data-start=\"1130\" data-end=\"1192\">Bring more roundness and complexity to the aromas.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1193\" data-end=\"1301\">\n<p data-start=\"1195\" data-end=\"1301\">Preserve the typical characteristics of the base wine.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1302\" data-end=\"1407\">\n<p data-start=\"1304\" data-end=\"1407\">Maximize the aromatic expression and texture of the brandy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This method requires <strong>a perfect temperature control<\/strong> to prevent caramelization and preserve the most delicate flavors.<br \/>\nIt gives our Cognacs and Pineaux des Charentes a unique signature, recognized by connoisseurs.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2610\" data-end=\"2641\"><strong>The essential role of copper<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2642\" data-end=\"2712\">Copper was not chosen at random for the manufacture of stills.<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2713\" data-end=\"2836\">\n<li data-start=\"2713\" data-end=\"2752\">\n<p data-start=\"2715\" data-end=\"2752\">It conducts heat perfectly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2753\" data-end=\"2791\">\n<p data-start=\"2755\" data-end=\"2791\">It removes sulfur impurities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2792\" data-end=\"2836\">\n<p data-start=\"2794\" data-end=\"2836\">It promotes aromatic development.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2838\" data-end=\"2969\">Each Cognac house has its own stills, some of which are centuries old, contributing to the personality of their eaux-de-vie.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"2976\" data-end=\"3032\"><strong>What happens after distillation?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3033\" data-end=\"3110\">Once distillation is complete, the precious liquid still needs to evolve.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3114\" data-end=\"3240\"><strong><em>Aging:<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The brandy is aged in oak barrels, where it acquires its amber color and woody aromas. To be called Cognac, the brandy must be aged for at least two years in barrels. To learn more about: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/en\/vieillissement-du-cognac-le-chene\/\">the different aging processes of cognac<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3244\" data-end=\"3344\"><strong><em>Blending:<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3244\" data-end=\"3344\">The cellar master blends different eaux-de-vie to create a unique Cognac.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3348\" data-end=\"3446\"><strong><em>Bottling:<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3348\" data-end=\"3446\">Final stage, which definitively determines the aromatic profile of the Cognac.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3453\" data-end=\"3487\"><strong>Distillation, an art combining tradition and precision<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3488\" data-end=\"3702\">Distillation is not just a technique: it is a <strong data-start=\"3549\" data-end=\"3583\">intangible cultural heritage<\/strong> specific to the Cognac region. Each producer perpetuates this expertise while adapting it to current requirements.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3704\" data-end=\"3829\">It remains the most magical stage: watching the heating core drain away, drop by drop, promising an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/en\/product\/cognac-renaissance\/\">exceptional Cognac.<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3704\" data-end=\"3829\"><strong>FAQ about distillation<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3341\" data-end=\"3611\"><strong data-start=\"3341\" data-end=\"3422\">\u2753 What is the difference between single distillation and double distillation?<\/strong><br data-start=\"3422\" data-end=\"3425\" \/>Single distillation involves only one heating process, whereas double distillation, used for Cognac, results in greater purity and optimal aromatic concentration.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3613\" data-end=\"3793\"><strong data-start=\"3613\" data-end=\"3668\">\u2753 Why is copper used in a still?<\/strong><br data-start=\"3668\" data-end=\"3671\" \/>Copper removes unwanted compounds and promotes chemical reactions that enrich the distillate with aromas.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3795\" data-end=\"3949\"><strong data-start=\"3795\" data-end=\"3850\">\u2753 When is Cognac distilled?<\/strong><br data-start=\"3850\" data-end=\"3853\" \/>From October 1 to March 31 of the year following the harvest, according to the AOC specifications.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3951\" data-end=\"4108\"><strong data-start=\"3951\" data-end=\"4025\">\u2753 What is the alcohol content of brandy after distillation?<\/strong><br data-start=\"4025\" data-end=\"4028\" \/>The heart of the distillate is between 70 and 72% ABV before being aged and reduced.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>La distillation est l\u2019une des \u00e9tapes les plus embl\u00e9matiques de la production du Cognac. Elle permet d\u2019extraire les compos\u00e9s volatils du vin afin de cr\u00e9er des eaux-de-vie riches en ar\u00f4mes et en finesse. Bien plus qu\u2019une simple technique, c\u2019est un v\u00e9ritable art, transmis de g\u00e9n\u00e9ration en g\u00e9n\u00e9ration dans la r\u00e9gion de Cognac. Dans cet article, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":242,"featured_media":592378,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"Distillation du Cognac : proc\u00e9d\u00e9, alambic charentais et savoir-faire","_seopress_titles_desc":"D\u00e9couvrez la distillation, un proc\u00e9d\u00e9 ancestral au c\u0153ur de l\u2019\u00e9laboration du Cognac. Alambic charentais, double distillation, savoir-faire et \u00e9tapes cl\u00e9s.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"both","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":301,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"distillation,comment distiller","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[{"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_type":"faq","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_faq":{"0":{"question":"Quelle est la diff\u00e9rence entre distillation simple et double distillation ?","answer":"La simple distillation se limite \u00e0 une seule chauffe, alors que la double distillation \u2013 utilis\u00e9e pour le Cognac \u2013 permet une meilleure puret\u00e9 et une concentration aromatique optimale."},"2":{"question":"Pourquoi utilise-t-on du cuivre dans un alambic","answer":"Le cuivre \u00e9limine les compos\u00e9s ind\u00e9sirables et favorise les r\u00e9actions chimiques qui enrichissent le distillat en ar\u00f4mes."},"3":{"question":"Quelle est la p\u00e9riode de distillation du Cognac ?","answer":"Du 1er octobre au 31 mars de l\u2019ann\u00e9e suivant la r\u00e9colte, selon le cahier des charges de l\u2019AOC."},"4":{"question":"Quelle est la force alcoolique d\u2019une eau-de-vie apr\u00e8s distillation ?","answer":"Le c\u0153ur de chauffe titre entre 70 et 72 % vol. avant d\u2019\u00eatre vieilli et r\u00e9duit."}}}],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[],"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-592353","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-actualite"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/592353","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/242"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=592353"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/592353\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":699745,"href":"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/592353\/revisions\/699745"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/592378"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=592353"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=592353"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cognac-guillon-painturaud.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=592353"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}