NYAK Cognac, launched in 2019 by a dynamic team including Dennis McKinley, CEO of Detroit Equities, and former spirits industry veterans Patrick Charpentier and Jerome Hyafil, represents a bold, contemporary twist on the traditional French spirit. Born from a shift in U.S. cognac culture—moving away from its digestive roots toward a casual, fun-loving vibe—NYAK draws inspiration from African-American pop culture breakthroughs, aiming to resonate with a new generation. Sourced from grower partners in regions like Petite Champagne, its VS offering is delicately distilled, delivering a smooth, golden profile with toasty oak, vanilla, and jammy fruit notes, perfect over ice or in cocktails like a ginger beer mix. While claiming a heritage tied to an 1830s house revitalized by a “sixth generation,” NYAK’s modern ethos and rapid rise—reaching the top 10 U.S. cognac brands—emphasize accessibility and innovation over dusty tradition, though its sweeter, youthful style has sparked mixed reviews among purists. Priced competitively (around $40 for VS), it’s a vibrant, urban-inflected addition to the cognac scene.
