Courvoisier is a cognac brand from the town of Jarnac in the Charente region of France. The brand is known for its long history and connection to Napoleon Bonaparte and has become one of the leading producers of cognac in the world. The company also produces a number of different expressions that can be enjoyed either straight or in cocktails. Recently, the brand revamped its VS, VSOP, and XO cognacs. We had the opportunity to try all three of them in their latest incarnations.
VS Cognac Review
The youngest of the courvoisier cognacs is the VS, which is aged for two years. It is a smooth cognac with a nice balance of fruit flavors and oakiness. It is great neat or in cocktails such as the Champagne Cocktail and the Sazerac.
VSOP Cognac Review
The VSOP is a nice middle ground between the fruitiness of a younger VS cognac and the woodier, darker flavors of an older XO cognac. The VSOP from courvoisier is nicely balanced and has a good mix of flavors and aromas including peach, apricot, vanilla, and a touch of dry wood spice. The finish is perhaps a little short, but it is still a solid cognac.
XO Cognac Review
The XO from Courvoisier is the oldest and most expensive of the cognacs produced by the house. It is very rich and full of flavor with a beautiful blend of the best crus. It can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails, although a drop of water or a large cube of ice will help to bring out the most of the complex flavors. After a while, every sip reveals a new layer of aromas and flavors that keep it interesting and enjoyable.
