Sales of cognac reached a new record last year: 160 million bottles, which is the largest volume ever since the appellation was created in 1936. Sounds like good news from a region that otherwise seems hard hit by competition from whiskey and more “trendy” drinks. Sales were up 9.3% (and +16.4 in the Far East). It is to a large extent the consumption of cognac as an aperitif (in mixed drinks) that is driving the progression.