What does VSOP and XO Cognac mean?

Perhaps the most confusing aspect facing shoppers seeking a decent bottle of cognac is the use of generic terms such as VS, VSOP and XO. The big cognac houses such as Hennessy, Martel, Courvoisier and others use these to describe their highly blended cognacs. These big negoçiants buy their cognacs from around 5000 small producers and blend them together. Often, these blends may contain as many as 2000 different cognacs from individual producers.

The rules governing cognac are many, but essentially it must be double distilled and the final distillation must be between 67 to 72 degrees (alcohol by volume). It can take several decades for the strength to drop naturally to that which most of us drink cognac, 40 degrees. This natural process is by evaporation, the lost alcohol being known as ‘Part des Anges’, the ‘Angel’s Share’. To avoid waiting and to minimise cost, the negoçiants will dilute the young cognacs, often adding sugar syrup and caramel. These additives give colour and soften the fiery effects. In contrast cognacs that have aged naturally develop richer qualities and greater individuality of their flavours.

To set standards of ageing in the wood, the big negoçiants created the terms that we see on the High Street shelves, VS (Very Special) Cognac, VSOP (Very Special Old Pale) Cognac and Napoleon Cognac. Cognacs must be aged in oak barrels and although distillation is not allowed after 31st March, it is usually finished by around Christmas. Official ageing starts immediately after the last official distillation day, i.e 1st April. VS cognacs must age in wood for a minimum of 2 years, VSOP cognacs for 3 years and Napoleon cognacs for 6 years. In practice most houses keep their cognacs in wood rather longer than the minimum period.

Technically XO Cognac  does not have any legal additional age requirements to that of Napoleon Cognac. The term “XO” was created about half a century ago by Hennessy to describe their oldest cognacs. In those days it usually meant cognacs with an average (not minimum), age of around 25 years. Today regrettably, with the pressure on sales volumes most XO cognacs are rather less than 10 years old.

VSOP  Cognacs from Brandyclassics:

At Brandyclassics, we specialise in selling single producer Cognacs, and hence attach rather less importance to the generic terms such as VSOP and XO, and more on the "age statements" and the talents of the individual distillers. However that doesn't mean to say that you can't buy VSOP Cognacs from us. We've a range of exceptional VSOP Cognacs from the smaller, quality cognac producers - they're aren't necessarily more expensive than the big brands, but we're sure you'll find they have a much more distinct character and flavour. Here's a few suggestions for you...

Godet VSOP Cognac

Blended Godet VSOP cognac from Fins Bois and Borderies and around eight years old.

Daniel Bouju VSOP Cognac

Very dark fiery VSOP cognacs aged in new oak.

Seguinot 10 y.o. VSOP Cognac

From the small commune near Segonzac called La Nérolle and in the very heart of the top cru. This VSOP cognac is dry with lots of floral tones and made on modern stills. A quality Grande Champagne cognac.

Cognac Chateau Montifaud 10 y.o. VSOP Petite Champagne

A family run estate in Jarnac Champagne. The vines are a mixture of Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche and Colombard and their distillation style creates very fruity flavours. This VSOP has a dried apricot quality.

Charpentier VSOP Cognac

A blend of Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois.

Chateau de Beaulon 12 y.o. VSOP Cognac

Much more highly regarded than other VSOP brands, it is an ideal starter cognac for those learning about brandies. It comes with a delicate complexity and wonderful balance.

Chateau de Beaulon 12 y.o. VSOP Cognac

Much more highly regarded than other VSOP brands, it is an ideal starter cognac for those learning about brandies. It comes with a delicate complexity and wonderful balance.

Chateau de Beaulon 12 y.o. VSOP Cognac

Much more highly regarded than other VSOP brands, it is an ideal starter cognac for those learning about brandies. It comes with a delicate complexity and wonderful balance.

Chateau de Beaulon 12 y.o. VSOP Cognac

Much more highly regarded than other VSOP brands, it is an ideal starter cognac for those learning about brandies. It comes with a delicate complexity and wonderful balance.

XO  Cognacs from Brandyclassics:

We have a number of excellent XO Cognacs from smaller artisan cognac producers, not the faceless brands such as Remy Martin, Courvoisier, Hine and Martell and Hennessy. XO Cognacs are often bought as gifts by our customers, add we'd like to encourage you to buy a Cognac that's as unique as the person you're buying it for...

Daniel Bouju XO

c25 year old cognac but very dark and spicy. These cognacs are kept in new oak barrels, most producers change the cognac into old barrels after about 6 - 8 months.

Seguinot 30 y.o. XO

Traditional ageing in this firm means that it takes many years for a truly great quality to emerge. Dry roasted walnut and citrus fruit skins on the palate.

Menuet XO 25 y.o.

One of the truly great cognac producers. The emphasis on clean wines and long initial new barrel ageing. It provides a distinctive roasted walnut and mocha taste.

Larsen XO

Attractive Viking ceramic presentations. Blended cognacs of medium age, a little sticky and not really worthy of this fine house who make some excellent single estate cognacs although quite expensive.

Gautier - Pinar del Rio XO Cigar

The firm was founded around 1740 near Aigre in Fins Bois but was taken over by the Berger Group best known for its Pastis. The cognac is quite sweet but highly blended.

Fontpinot XO

A rare single domaine cognac from the centre of Segonzac with a remarkable story. The house is part of Frapin owned by the Cointreau family. Highly regarded XO cognac.

Delemain 25 y.o. Pale and Dry XO

The Delamain family, who came from Ireland to set up in Cognac in 1759 are one of the oldest negoçiants in Cognac.

Croizet 30 y.o. XO

A lighter style cognac but with true Grande Champagne qualities of citrus fruits. The tail is particulary long with a grapefruit finish.

Cognac Bertrand 35 y.o. XO Special Petite Champagne

We have often marvelled at this cognac since it has many unusual qualities, not least it's dark colour and distinctly rich mocha and nutty flavour. It is a very fine cognac and ideal for those seeking a sweeter style or possibly for the cigar smoker where richness at the back of the palate is important.