D.S. & DURGA Cognac Reign

After three colognes that were an ode to the summer, Cognac Reign, the latest fragrance from D.S. & Durga, is a perfume designed to capture the essence of cognac, the spirit that has reigned supreme over France since its inception in the 16th century. My affinity with cognac goes back to my childhood since my father, a wine and spirits connoisseur, had an affinity for the spirit. As a wine consultant & specialist, for me, that bond has endured. Here is a short overview of what one should understand about cognac. While cognac’s origins can be traced back to the 16th century, it was in the 18th century that the formation of today’s famous Big Four Cognac houses took place. Martell, first, in 1715, followed by Rémy Martin, Hennessy, and Courvoisier. These names, widely recognized, are on par with some of the most iconic brands across the globe. While cognac is a brandy, not all brandies are cognac. The biggest difference between brandy and cognac is that brandy can be made anywhere in the world, while cognac can only be made in the Cognac region in the Southwest of France.

Cognac is predominantly made from the Ugni Blanc grape (also known as Trebbiano), accounting for over 98% of the region’s vineyards. The grape is preferred for its high acidity and low sugar content, making it ideal for distillation into eau-de-vie. Two other common, though less frequently used, white grape varieties are Folle Blanche and Colombard. Cognac is categorized into four tiers: V.S. – very special, meaning the youngest cognac in the blend was aged at least 2 years, V.S.O.P. – Very Special Old Pale (or Reserve), which is a blend with the youngest cognac aged for a minimum of 4 years, X.O. – Extra Old (or Napoléon), a blend with the youngest cognac aged for a minimum of 10 years, and Hors d’âge – Beyond Age, a designation for any cognac that exceeds the X.O. age requirements as the youngest in the blend.

screen shot from the 2006 film Marie Antoinette, directed by Sofia Coppola. Jason Schwartzman as King Louis XVI. 

Cognac is one of the greatest achievements in the art of distillation, a cultural and gastronomic heritage that remains a timeless symbol of French excellence in the field of spirits. French author Victor Hugo, known for iconic books, like Les Misérables, called cognac the “liquor of the gods”. Ironically, the French themselves prefer to drink whisky, which outsells it by a huge margin. Go figure.

David Seth Moltz and Kavi, Founders of D.S. and Durga  

You get on the subway & get off at Versailles. What would a 300-year-old cognac barrel cracked open on the F train smell like? – David Seth Moltz

  courtesy of the brand

Cognac Reign holds court for this time of the season, Autumn. As I expect, David Moltz conjures up a few tricks and treats. The tricks are in the notes, some that don’t outwardly shed light on what’s brewing in the potion here. Let’s see, the caramelized bergamot opening fuses to produce an amuse-bouche confection of dark chocolate with caramel, bringing on an Earl Grey-like nimbus. The sweetness crossed with the wood imparts a dichotomy of flavors, rolling back and forth. Cognac oftentimes imparts a citrus note; the intensity varies depending on its age statement, which can evolve significantly during its aging process in oak barrels. The vintage wood (cognac barrels?) here is a restrained, dry woody one. An appealing juxtaposition. The dance of the balance is on nose. A wonderful treat.

Cognac Essence, derived from cognac wine lees via hydrodistillation, bestows a sweet and sulfurous note. The vanilla undertones position it as a key element in the oriental family of fragrances. The essential oil of cognac is extracted from the lees of the cognac wine by hydrodistillation. Now, let’s talk about Concrete of Orris. The term “concrete” in perfumery refers to a solid product obtained through solvent extraction. Nevertheless, in the case of orris, it’s a misnomer since it is obtained from steam distillation, giving the material’s tendency to solidify into a waxy substance after extraction, and is the reason it’s also referred to as orris butter. I’m finding a whisper of a dry violet note (very French) that is fleeting and not listed.

Cognac via Wikipedia

Closing the cordial, the aroma of tonka that is a rich, complex combination of vanilla, almond, and cinnamon, and is an ever-so spicy aroma that seals the deal with sensuality. The Limousin oak refers to high-quality French oak, primarily from the Limousin region, known for its tight, ring-porous grain and high tannin content. It’s a popular choice for aging spirits like Cognac, Armagnac, and certain wines due to its ability to impart complex flavors. Like the thinning of the veil between two worlds, the base notes blend like a fine elixir.

The notes don’t deviate far from the still. While the cognac might conjure up a drunken, boozy scent, it is more precise than that. Refined and understated below the surface, one can glean why the royal court favored this libation, which flowed freely. A royal, luxurious perversion manifests itself after a period of wear. A trick and treat of a scent for the Autumn season.

Top Notes: Caramelized Bergamot, Antique Wood; Heart Notes: Cognac Essence, Concrete Of Orris; Base Notes: Tonka, Limousine Oak

Disclaimer: Cognac Reign was sent to me by D.S. & DURGA. My opinions are mine and only mine.

Hernando Courtright ~ Senior Events Contributor and Brand Ambassador

All Photos are courtesy of D.S. & DURGA except where credited otherwise and cannot be reproduced without permission.

To best experience this fragrance, listen to the Cognac Reign playlist by D.S. & DURGA / Spotify.

 

Cognac Reign D.S. & Durga

Thanks to the generosity of D.S.& Durga, we have a 50ml bottle of Cognac Reign for USA registered reader. You’ll need to register here. To be eligible, please leave a comment on what you enjoyed about Hernando’s review of D.S. & DURGA Cognac Reign. The draw closes on 10/15/2025, and the winner will be announced within 10 days.

ÇaFleureBon has written extensively about D.S. & Durga over the years. Please read Hernando’s review of Black Magenta, Big Sur Eucalyptus, Deep Dark Vanilla, and his WE LOVE THIS STORE: DS & Durga NYC , and WE LOVE THIS STORE: D.S. & DURGA Venice, California Boutique + Pistachio EDP Giveaway.

Michelyn’s Note: D.S. & Durga won a 2025 Fragrance Foundation Award for Most Innovative Product for Murder Mystery Set

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