ShOP NOW Courvoisier: the story behind the brand The drink of choice for aristocrats, revolutionaries, and writers 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. 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. 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 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.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. 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.

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. 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.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. 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. 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. 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.

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