How does aging in oak barrels affect Cognac?

Aging Cognac in oak barrels significantly impacts its overall profile, primarily enhancing its aroma and adding complex flavor characteristics. The oak interacts with the spirit during the aging process, imparting flavors such as vanilla, caramel, spice, and dried fruits, which are essential to the overall tasting experience of Cognac. The porous nature of the wood allows for some interaction with air, leading to oxidation that further develops the spirit's character over time.

Moreover, the aging process in oak barrels contributes to a change in the color of Cognac, often deepening it due to compounds extracted from the wood. However, the primary benefit of this aging is indeed the enhancement of aroma and flavor, making it a crucial aspect in the production of Cognac. The other options do not accurately represent the effects of aging in oak barrels on Cognac. For instance, stating that there is no impact on the spirit disregards the fundamental changes that occur during aging. Similarly, the idea that it lowers alcohol content misunderstands the distillation and aging processes, which do not reduce alcohol but rather incorporate other compounds and characteristics into the spirit.