Are Cognacs typically sweetened before bottling?

Cognacs are typically not sweetened before bottling. The production process of Cognac includes careful distillation and aging in oak barrels, which naturally contributes to the complexity and flavor profile of the spirit. The aging process allows the brandy to develop a certain level of sweetness from the interaction with the wood, and additional sweetness from residual sugar would alter the intended character of the spirit.

In certain instances, producers may choose to add a small amount of sugar, known as dosage, but this is quite rare and usually done to enhance the smoothness or to balance flavor profiles. The regulations surrounding the production of Cognac also emphasize the importance of the natural characteristics of the distillate, which means that the addition of sugar is generally avoided to preserve the quality and authenticity of the product. Additionally, Cognacs marketed as VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale), or XO (Extra Old) typically adhere to these traditional production methods without the need for added sweetness.