Throughout its history, Courvoisier cognac was a drink to be enjoyed by the highest classes of society. It was a notable favorite of Napoleon, and was even served that the opening ceremony of the Eiffel Tower at the World’s Fair in the year 1889. With a selection ranging from VS to their Initiale Extra, Courvoisier promises a smooth, full-body taste that can be appreciated by newbies and connoisseurs alike. Brandy vs. Cognac: What’s the difference? 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.

By now, you’ve probably noticed that Courvoisier refers to their spirits as cognac, not brandy. But what’s the difference? Brandy and cognac are effectively the same thing, but cognac is a very specific type of brandy. Cognac is produced in the region of Cognac, France, and only brandy made in this area is allowed to be cognac (similar to how champagne can only be called as such if it’s made in Champagne). 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 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 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.

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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. Brandy and cognac are truly a connoisseur's choice when it comes to distilled spirits. Their smooth, warming character makes them excellent for sipping after meals, while VSOP (very superior old pale) is best served as an apéritif. Or you can give a proper end to your dinner with a glass of calvados. Sweet and fruity, this apple brandy pairs well with rich desserts like chocolate cake and tiramisu. A lively blend of youthful and aged cognacs, Courvoisier VS has an intriguing balanced taste. Expect delicate flavours of spring blossoms with a hint of ripe orchard fruits such as apple and pear, with the juicy tang of grapefruit. These fruity and floral flavours lead into a smooth, fresh and oaky finish. 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.

Discover the joy of Courvoisier with our signature VS Cognac. Delicate flavours of spring blooms meet notes of apple, pear and grapefruit, effortlessly complemented by a smooth and fresh oaky finish. It can be drank neat, but makes an exuberant addition to long drinks. This blended cognac is a vivid marriage of Fins Bois, Bons Bois and Petite Champagne for the perfect combination of subtlety and complexity. This meticulously blended cognac is an authentic invitation to experience Cognac in blossom, and taste the heritage of Jarnac, the special place we are proud to call home. 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.

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

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. 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 known for distilling luxury cognac. With a rich history that’s heavily interwoven with notable events like the French Revolution, Courvoisier has come to be known as a unique, classy, and high-end brand. Founded in 1809, Courvoisier is one of France’s most exclusive and top cognac producers, rivalled by other cognac houses like Martell and Remy Martin. 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 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.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 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. 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. 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. 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? 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 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.