Cognac

Cognac, a French town, head of arrondissement in the department of Charente, on the left bank of the Charente, 32 miles W. of Angouleme, and 42 miles S.E. of Rochefort. There is an old castle upon a rocky height over the river, and a bronze statue of Francis I. marks his birthplace. The district is chiefly noted for its vines and the manufacture of brandy, the distillation of which, together with the making of casks and bottles, is the chief industry of the town.