Cognac: A New-Wave Travel Guide (Updated)

This city and region in southwest France is a must-visit for the spirits aficionado, much like Kentucky’s bourbon trail or Scotland's whisky circuit.

Along the Charente in Cognac

“Welcome to the turn of the 20th century,” said my guide, Marielle Chopin-Pascaud, as I entered the tasting room of Bache-Gabrielsen, on a quiet street in downtown Cognac. As four generations of Bache-Gabrielsens stared down at me from black-and-white portraits, I sipped the double-distilled brandy that bears the name of this…