Courvoisier VSOP | Cognac Brandy | Peach, Almonds and Vanilla | from the World's Most Awarded Cognac House | 40 Percent ABV | 70 cl

Product Information

The union of Grande and Petite Champagnes ensures harmony, while Fins Bois contributes a floral and fruity character. 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. 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.

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. But fascinating history, illustrious present, and pioneering craftsmanship aside, Courvoisier also tastes spectacular. This light gold spirit has flavors of spring flowers, ripe fruits, and a peppery finish. It feels mature but also fresh, perfect for novice Cognac drinkers and connoisseurs alike. 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.

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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. 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 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 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 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. 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.

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. I use the OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler. It’s handy, dishwasher safe, inexpensive, durable and easy to use. 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.