The VSOP is richer, smoother and more complex than the VS. It contains a tiny bit more sweetness than the first one. There is some burn, but it’s a good burn. Lavish is the word that pops to mind while sipping the VSOP Courvoisier Cognac VSOP contains nutty chocolate and coffee flavors. There are delicious dried fruit flavors with a little vanilla in the finish. This one is not quite as chewy as the VS, but the flavor and viscosity make me want to roll it around on my tongue a bit longer before swallowing. I detect a little caramel and possibly hint of orange zest. Courvoisier has appeared in James Bond films like Diamonds Are Forever, and hip-hop superstars, P. Diddy, Pharell and Busta Rhymes, dedicated their songs Pass the Courvoisier and Pass the Courvoisier, Part II to the drink. Gareth Mallory and M sharing a glass of Courvoisier VSOP cognac in James Bond’s SkyFall.

The VS of Courvoisier VS stands for Very Special. It refers to a blend whereby the youngest brandy used in production has been in a cask for at least two years. This mix of young and older Cognacs accords Courvoisier VS a subtle fruity taste. It’s a very versatile Cognac, great with ginger ale or fruit juice.ShOP NOW Courvoisier: the story behind the brand The drink of choice for aristocrats, revolutionaries, and writers Courvoisier is a brand of Cognac, which, in turn, is a type of brandy—one made from a specific blend of grapes that must include at least 90% Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard varietals.

Versatile and multi-layered, Courvoisier VSOP the Maison style of Cognac in Blossom. Each sip is redolent with the sweet maturity of late summer stone fruits, elevated by a touch of fragrant jasmine. The sweet hint of gingerbread spice leads into a smooth and velvety finish. The production process is still the same as the one established in the early 1800s, with the use of traditional Charentais alembic pot stills, and distillation only takes place between November and March. Courvoisier’s claims to fame are numerous. What other brandies can boast of being the favorite of political rebels like Napoléon Bonaparte, or collaborating with irreverent fashion superstars like Viviene Westwood? Or even being rapped about by some of hip-hops biggest names? Meanwhile, L’Esprit de Courvoisier is one of the world’s most highly regarded Cognacs, made from a 200-year old Eaux-de-vie and a serious status symbol.You could also add a bit of tonic water and a slice of lemon. Use a white wine glass so you can swirl the liquid around and sniff it. By drinking a glass of Courvoisier Cognac, you’re sipping on centuries-old traditions and an intricate and meticulous knowledge of distilling, and a spirit that’s won more than its fair share of awards over the years. Today, Courvoisier is one of the four big Cognac houses in the world—alongside Hennessy, Martel, and Rémy Martin. It’s the only one of the 4 to have won the Prestige de la France award, and the only Cognac brand to oversee the entire production process from grape to bottle. Courvoisier was also the first brandy to advertise on TV.

Courvoisier Cognac VSOP—which stands for Very Special Old Pale—has been aged for four years or longer. Meanwhile, Courvoisier Cognac XO—or Extra Old—has been aged for at least six years. Courvoisier XO is a selection of beautifully matured eaux de vie, aged from 11 to 25 years, to highlight the complexity and richness of cognac aromas. The finished cognac is intensely aromatic and flavorful, with a velvety texture and aromatic bouquet, laced with hints of crème brûlée, candied orange, and iris flower. One of the world’s most famous Cognacs, no one does fancy quite like Courvoisier. Nor is any spirit quite so quintessentially French. This luxury Cognac has survived revolutions and world wars to emerge as one of the most desirable and exclusive French spirit brands around today.The union of Grande and Petite Champagnes ensures harmony, while Fins Bois contributes a floral and fruity character. This spirit displays gorgeous color. It is sweet with lush fruits in the aroma. There is a hint of raisin and nut (perhaps pecan flesh without the skin.) The aroma is deep and rich. There’s also Courvoisier Succession J.S., an exclusive and limited edition blend, now a highly coveted collector’s item, created for the bi-centenary of Napoléon’s coronation. Or L’Essence de Courvoisier du Dragon, which was released in 2012 to celebrate the Chinese year of the Dragon and comes in a Baccarat crystal bottle engraved with a golden dragon. Courvoisier today: from high fashion to hip-hop With an 80-proof and 40% ABV, aged for a minimum of 5 years, Courvoisier VSOP is a premium cognac that promises a truly exceptional taste journey. Experience the embodiment of French craftsmanship and indulge in the sophistication of this fine spirit.

Courvoisier can be enjoyed instead of wine with food. Opt for Courvoisier VS for food like hard cheese or seafood. For meat, you want an older Cognac with rich and fruity notes, like Courvoisier VSOP. It was purportedly a favorite of Napoléon Bonaparte, who, after visiting the Courvoisier cellars, demanded that a ration of the Cognac was given to his troops to keep up morale. He also took a generous supply of bottles with him into exile on St. Helena following his defeat at Waterloo. French statesman and military leader, Napoléon Bonaparte, was a fan of Courvoisier’s Cognac. After being founded in 1809 by Emmanuel Courvoisier and Louis Gallois, it wasn’t long before Courvoisier became a favorite among the upper echelons of society. I use the OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler. It’s handy, dishwasher safe, inexpensive, durable and easy to use. Tasting yields deep fruit flavors (dried fruits such as fig, dates, apricot and raisin.) There is nut skin dryness in the follow through. This cognac is warming, but without burn. It is slightly chewy. I vaguely taste molasses or just shy of molasses, but without the actual sugar sweetness. There are nice nutty notes. Overall, delicious!And, at the opening ceremony of the Eiffel Tower in 1889—the beginning of Paris’ Golden Age, or Belle Époque—Courvoisier was the drink of celebration. Secrets and specifics: the production process The VS is delicious, but the VSOP is out of this world. It is definitely worth more than the small bump in price over the VS. Beyond that, there’s the limited edition Sherry Cask Finish blend, matured in sherry casks for additional smoothness and dried fruit notes. Or Courvoisier Rose, which offers drinkers a combination of Cognac and premium French red wine grapes.