What is "cognac"?

Cognac is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented and distilled grapes. It is popular in France and is usually 40-50% alcohol by volume. It is usually clear and has a sweet, fruity flavor. Cognac is often served neat or with a mixer, and is also used to make a variety of cocktails. It is also used in cooking, and is often used to add flavor to sauces and marinades. Cognac is traditionally aged in oak barrels, which gives it a smooth, mellow flavor. Cognac is typically classified according to its age, with younger cognacs having a more fruity flavor and older cognacs having a more mature, oaky flavor. It can range in color from light gold to dark amber, depending on the type of wood used to age it. Cognac is often enjoyed as an after-dinner digestif, but can also be used to make a variety of cocktails.