Cognac (pronounced kon-yak ), named after the town of Cognac in France, is the most famous variety of brandy, produced in the wine-growing region surrounding the town from which it takes its name, in the French Departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime.

The town of Cognac is one of only three officially demarcated brandy regions in Europe; the others are the French Department of the Gers. Gers is divided into three parts: Haut Armagnac which produces no Armagnac, Bas Armagnac from which the best Armagnac comes and Tenerese where you can find some very good Armagnacs too.

The most important centre for Armagnac is the town of Eauze (pronounced Ayose), The third is the Spanish town of Jerez.