XO, VS, VSOP Explained: A Beginner's Guide to Cognac
Every original cognac bottle has one of these letters stamped on it: XO, VS, VSOP. If you're new to this prestigious spirit, it's normal to wonder what these letters actually mean.
Truth is, a lot of us just grab what looks good on the shelf. But here’s the thing: those letters tell you a lot about what’s inside your bottle and how it will taste.
So, in this guide, we go over the basics of cognac. We'll explain those seemingly mysterious (and somewhat intimidating) classifications, and give you a peek at some standout bottles from The Barrel Tap. That way, it's a little easier to explore these categories and a lot more fun!
What Is Cognac?
Cognac is a type of brandy, but not just any brandy. To be called cognac, it has to follow some strict rules.
First, it must come from the Cognac region in France. Second, it has to be distilled twice in copper pot stills. And importantly, it needs to meet the standards set by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC).
Right inside every cognac is eau-de-vie, which translates from French as “water of life.” This is the young, clear spirit that will eventually become the amber cognac in your glass. In other words, eau-de-vie is the raw material that, with time and oak barrels, turns into something richer and a lot more complex.
Cognac Classifications Explained
Cognac labels can seem like alphabet soup, but here’s the simple version:
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VS: This label stands for “Very Special.” When you see VS on a bottle, it tells you that the youngest spirit in the blend has been aged for at least 2 years.
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VSOP: This stands for “Very Superior Old Pale.” The youngest eau-de-vie (spirit) in the blend has spent at least 4 years in oak barrels. This extra time softens the spirit, giving it more balance and depth.
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XO: This one means “Extra Old.” The youngest spirit has been aged at least 10 years, resulting in a deep, layered character. XO cognacs are luxurious and complex, with rich notes like chocolate, spice, and leather.
How Aging Affects Flavor and Quality
Aging is where cognac really earns its stripes. Time in oak barrels softens the spirit, pulls out flavors from the wood, and adds layers to what you taste.
VS Cognac
The flavor of VS is bright and fresh. You might notice fruity notes and a little spice. It has a certain energy that makes it the perfect starting point for cocktails or a quick sip over ice.
VSOP Cognac
VSOPs are usually more rounded. They bring that subtle oak flavor with a touch of dried fruit. Plus, their finish is smooth and friendly to your palate, even if you’re new to cognac.
XO Cognac
XO is the showstopper. It has deep, layered flavors with hints of chocolate, leather, tobacco, and warm spice. If you're looking for something to savor slowly, go for a cognac XO bottle.
Popular Cognac Brands and Examples
When discussing cognac, some brands have become household names. We’re talking Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Martell, and Courvoisier.
But what about specific bottles you can actually try today? Here are a few you might want to check out:
VS Picks
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Martell VS: This is a lively, approachable VS. It’s perfect for mixing or just sipping over ice. You'll notice subtle fruity notes and a gentle spice that make it easy to enjoy even if you’re new to cognac.
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Branson Phantom VS: This one is smooth and bold. It's a great choice if you’re just getting started with cognac. Fun fact: this VS has a connection to 50 Cent, giving it a bit of modern, celebrity flair.
VSOP Picks
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Hennessy VSOP X LeBron James Limited Edition: This silky and layered cognac is perfect for sipping neat. It’s approachable but still feels like a treat. The “X” in the name marks it as a special edition of the classic VSOP, and the LeBron James branding adds a collector’s appeal.
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Le Portier Shay VSOP by Shannon Sharpe: This cognac is smooth, refined, and full of character. It carries subtle oak and fruity notes, giving it a balanced profile that’s easy to enjoy. Plus, the NFL star’s touch adds a bit of personality.
XO Picks
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Rémy Martin XO Excellence: This is the definition of ultra-luxurious, rich, and elegant. Deep layers of dried fruit, spice, and subtle oak make it perfect for slow sipping. XO Excellence shows what years in the barrel can do for complexity.
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Courvoisier XO Cognac: Want a bottle that's deep and complex? Grab this one. It is perfect for a slow evening sip. It’s made from eaux-de-vie aged up to 35 years, with velvety layers of candied orange, dark chocolate, and honeyed spice.
How to Choose and Enjoy Cognac
If you’re new to cognac, here’s an easy way to start. Go for VS if you want something light and lively that’s good for cocktails or a quick sip over ice. Here’s why. It doesn’t demand too much from your palate.
Try VSOP when you’re ready to just sit back and sip something smoother and more balanced. You’ll notice a bit more oak and a warmth that makes sipping neat feel really satisfying.
Save XO for special moments, the kind you slow down with and really let the years of aging show in every sip. You want to savor it as much as possible. You can even let the aroma linger a little before that first taste.
Serving Tips
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Use a tulip-shaped glass to help concentrate the aroma.
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Serve VSOP and XO at room temperature. VS is fine when it's slightly chilled.
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Take a moment to smell before sipping. The aroma often tells you more about the flavors than the first sip.
Pairing Ideas
When it comes to pairing, VS goes well with light appetizers and seafood. It’s bright and fresh, so it doesn’t overpower simple flavors, and it’s fun to sip alongside something easygoing.
VSOP pairs beautifully with cheese, charcuterie, or roasted meats. The extra aging gives it more smoothness and depth, so it can hold its own with richer flavors without feeling heavy.
XO is a perfect companion to dark chocolate or even a cigar if you’re feeling fancy. It’s the kind of cognac you take your time with, letting the layers of spice, oak, and fruit reveal themselves slowly as you enjoy the pairing.
Bottling It Up
Knowing the difference between XO, VS, and VSOP makes picking a cognac way less intimidating and way more fun. Next time you’re staring at bottles, you’ll have a better idea of what fits your mood and your taste.
Try them all, see what you like, and if you’re ready to start your own cognac adventure, the bottles from The Barrel Tap are a solid lineup to get going.
