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

Product Information

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. Courvoisier Cognac VS and VSOP spirits were provided by brand representatives. All bottle and tasting note photos, comments and opinions are my own unless otherwise stated.

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 ShOP NOW Courvoisier: the story behind the brand The drink of choice for aristocrats, revolutionaries, and writers 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. 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. Cut both ends off of an orange. Remove the pulp of the orange while keeping the shell intact. Fit orange shell into the upper edge of a chilled wine goblet or champagne flute. Dip the rim of the glass along with the upper edge of the orange peel into a shallow plate of sugar. The idea is to coat the outer rim of the glass and the top side of the orange peel so it creates a seal around the glass. Set the glass aside.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. 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 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. 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 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.

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