Glossary: VS, VSOP (2024)

FAQs

Is there a big difference between VS and VSOP? ›

In short, where VS Cognac must be at least two years old, VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) must be four and XO (Extra Old) ten! There are older categories too so if you want to know more about what the different letters on cognac bottles mean, head here for a full breakdown with bottles to try from each.

VS stands for Very Special and only eaux-de-vie at least two years old can be used to make a VS Cognac. Other denominators and expressions are permitted in this class, such as "3 stars" or "luxury". VSOP stands for Very Superior Old Pale. VSOP cognacs are created from eaux-de-vie aged for at least four years.

VSOP, “Very Superior Old Pale”, which is now common for all Cognac Houses actually dates back to 1817 British Royal Court. So, what does VSOP stand for exactly? For a cognac to be classified as a VSOP, the minimum age of the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend must be at least 4 years old.

VSOP stands for “Very Superior Old Pale”. To achieve this classification, VSOP cognacs must be created from eaux-de-vie aged for at least four years.

Younger cognacs, such as a VS, tend to have a fresher, livelier aromas of fruit, where as older eaux-de-vie such as VSOPs tend to be smoother, with clear notes of oak and spices. There are some very good VSOPs on the market, many of which are delicious drunk neat.

Our Review

Its only flaw is that it's a little too sweet, with fruity notes that lean syrupy. V.S.O.P. Privilège is a quality sipper, but it really stands out in co*cktails like the Sidecar, Vieux Carré, or the Sazerac, where its richness makes it a solid and flavorful base spirit that doesn't get overwhelmed by mixers.

VSOP stands for “Very Superior Old Pale”: VSOP cognacs are created from eaux-de-vie aged for at least four years. The VSOP category includes designations such as “Old” or “Reserve”. XO stands for “Extra Old”: XO cognacs are made only from eaux-de-vie at least ten years old.

Unlike other spirits such as whisky, cognac uses letters rather than numbers to indicate its age. There are four official aging ratings for this spirit: VS, VSOP, XO and EXTRA. These have been standardized by the BNIC, a first in the world of spirits. There are six cognac crus characterizing the production area.

What does XO signify? XO, the acronym for “Extra Old”, denotes a complex blend of many eaux-de-vie, the youngest of which has been aged for at least ten years in a barrel. It is now known as the 'gold standard' in cognac.

Contrary to popular confusion, Hennessy is not a whiskey but is instead a type of brandy. The term brandy refers to a spirit distilled from a fermented fruit juice, be it grape or other fruits such as apple (used to make apple brandies like Calvados).

What are the four types of brandy? ›

A cognac of remarkable consistency and vitality, Hennessy V.S.O.P conveys all of the savoir-faire of the Hennessy master blenders who have ensured the continued success of this harmonious assemblage for 200 years. Tasting. COLOR. Flamboyant mahogany with light tones. NOSE.

Myth: "Hennessy V.S.O.P and a Hennessy V.S are the same, only aged older." Fact: Hennessy V.S.O.P is not V.S aged older! There are distinct characters with distinctive histories, and they differ in selection, maturation, and assemblage. The selection, the ageing and the blending are specific to each of them.

Very Special (minimum of 2 years of cask aging). Names like Hennessy VS, Courvoisier VS Cognac, Hennessy VS Gold Limited Edition, Martell VS Single Distillery Cognac, Gautier VS, and Gautier VS Cognac are among the most popular cognac brands on the market. Enjoy looking through our list of high-quality cognac brands.

Releases very mature notes, evoking the aroma of fresh fruit coupled with a sensation of suppleness that settles in to underscore the harmony of this cognac. The sensation of full body deepens with the flavors of juicy fruits, vanilla, spices and mild tobacco also provided by the vigor of the younger eaux-de-vie.