50 Cent’s Branson Cognac Redefines Modern Day Cognac Drinking

There are two types of Cognac drinkers in the world. 

First, the one that you probably think of first: the traditional Cognac drinker, who serves up the best brandy in its correct glassware (a brandy Snifter glass, to be specific), ahead of a stylish dinner party incorporating oysters, lobster, some form of cheese course and dessert, to finish. 

Then there’s the other type of Cognac drinker, which is where you’ll find Branson Cognac.

To best understand this rich, amber, chocolatey spirit, you’ll want to learn a little more about how it was released and who it was released by. 

Branson Cognac is owned by the one and only 50 Cent, who told the world about his latest creation in the best way he knows how: social media. Of course, he wasn’t the first rapper to express a love for brandy (see also: Hennessy), but he promised to continue the trend.

Throw away all illusions of grandeur, dimly lit fireplaces and velvet curtains: Branson Cognac was welcomed into the world via a nightclub, surrounded by plenty more bottles and the opportunity to go viral on both Instagram and YouTube.

This second type of Cognac aims to change the way the world views the spirit; away from something restricted to formal events and more into something accessible, fun and arguably even more delicious. 
Incorporating the same premium distilling standards and same finesse and elegance, Branson Cognac is a newcomer in the world of Cognac that’s determined to make itself known.

Branson cognac price and bottle sizes

Bottle	Size	Price (USD)
Branson Cognac V.S Phantom	750ml	$50
Branson Cognac V.S.O.P Royal	750ml	$60
Branson Cognac V.S.O.P Grande Champagne	750ml	$72
Branson Cognac X.O	750ml	$260

A modern Cognac with traditional roots

Branson Cognac isn’t a Cognac to be taken lightly. It’s not a spirit that’s been rushed, ill-thought or anything of the kind. Instead, despite its loud persona, this is a spirit that knows its place in the room and takes up every inch of that space, deservedly.

Looking back at old-time Cognac in the best way, Branson Cognac is blended by a fifth-generation, family-run producer called Cognac Raymond Ragnaud using grapes that are hand-harvested entirely from the Grande Champagne cru. 

For those not in the know, this is the best-growing area in the entire region, and promises some pretty intense flavors and notes. Branson is also distilled in an original pot still from the 1800’s, which means its promotion might all be modern but its production methods stick to the good old days. 

Cognac, as a spirit, must be aged for at least two years to earn its name. Branson doesn’t just settle for two years, though. It ages its blends for at least four years and some barrels are even as much as 50 years old. Those with a keen eye will realize this means some sips of the spirit are not only older than the brand but also a handful of years older than 50 Cent himself. 

Before Branson sprung to life, 50 Cent spent some time getting to know the Cognac industry and figuring out what really makes the best of the best. 

The result? A spirit that’s aged in French Oak barrels, sourced from Alliers, Limousin, and Tronçais. A mixture of both old and new barrels for maximum flavor impact. A suave, uniquely shaped glass bottle that really lets the golden, amber tones of this liquid work its magic. 

An overall incredible bottle with almost no burn, that’s pleasing to newbies and Cognac connoisseurs alike. A spirit that proves that 50 Cent might have known exactly what he’s talking about when rapping about money, power, and the best drinks.

How to drink Branson cognac

Cognac is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity. What that means is a little more experimentation when it comes to enjoying it. 

Sure, this spirit might traditionally be consumed neat as an aperitif but you don’t have to look far nowadays to see bottles adorning tables in clubs, rappers proudly holding up their favorite releases, and even, much like 50 Cent, releasing their own. 

If you’re planning on enjoying your Cognac the traditional way, you’ll want to stick to pairing it with water. First, sip it neat to see exactly what you’re dealing with. Then, add a few droplets of filtered water to your Branson Cognac, to release more of the fruity notes and allow a wider range of aromas to breathe. 

To widen the experience even more, serve your Branson in a Rocks glass with two large ice cubes. This dilutes the spirit slightly but also adds a new dimension to your tasting session.

For a simple long drink, Branson Cognac pairs great with tonic water or ginger ale, both of which bring out the spirit’s floral and citrus notes. You can also mix Branson Cognac well into cocktails, like some of our favorites below.

Cognac is a spirit that goes great with food (which is why it’s traditionally served as an aperitif), so if you’re feeling fancy at your next dinner party, pair your Branson with seafood like oysters, lobster or sushi or a cheese platter. You can also switch it up with brands like Grand Marnier or Courvoisier. 

To emphasize its sweet notes, you can also serve it with dessert. Those with rich, fruity or chocolatey notes do a brilliant job of bringing out the Cognac’s almost as chocolatey elements.

The best cocktails to make with Branson cognac

This spirit is known for its tobacco, honey and chocolate notes, which offers plenty of room for experimentation. Sweet cocktails encourage those notes, while spicy drinks complement them in a unique way. 

If you’re mixing up your Branson into a round of cocktails, choose ones with one prime flavor profile, which allows the spirit to remain in the forefront of the experience. (Drinks that are overly sweet will overpower Branson.)

Classic Sidecar

Ingredients:

• 60 ml Branson Cognac V.S Phantom
• 30 ml Cointreau
• 30 ml lemon juice
• Lemon Twist or Orange Twist for garnishing

Cocktail recipes: The Classic Sidecar is the perfect fusion of sweet and sour notes and always goes down a treat. To make, place all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice and shake vigorously until chilled. Then, strain the mixture into a coupe glass and garnish with the lemon or orange twist before serving.

Cognac Margarita

Ingredients:

• 45 ml Branson Cognac V.S Phantom
• 45 ml Tequila Reposado of your choice
• 30 ml Cointreau or Triple Sec
• 15 ml Lime Juice
• Lime Wedge for garnishing

Cocktail recipes: What do you get when you combine Cognac and tequila? A delicious cocktail, that’s what. Make a Cognac Margarita easily, by placing the Branson Cognac, tequila, Cointreau and the lime juice into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously until chilled. Then, strain into a rocks glass, top up with extra ice and garnish with the lime wedge before serving. 

Vieux Carre

Ingredients:

• 20 ml Branson Cognac V.S Phantom
• 20 ml Rye Whiskey of your choice 
• 15 ml Sweet Vermouth
• 5 ml Benedictine
• 1 dash Peychaud Bitters
• 1 dash Angostura Bitters
• Cocktail Cherry for garnishing

Cocktail recipes: This classy French cocktail dates back to 1930’s New Orleans and comes with the jolt of energy to match. Make one by adding all of the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir until very cold. Then, add ice to a lowball glass and strain the mixture in. Garnish with the cherry before serving.

Frequently asked questions about Branson cognac