The Three Drinkers in Cognac follows Aidy and Helena as they explore everything the stunning region has to offer, and VSOP Cognac pops up again and again, so what exactly is it?
What is VSOP Cognac?
If you’re completely new to the world of cognac then do consult our Complete Beginner’s Guide, but in a sentence, cognac is a brandy produced in its namesake region in between Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France. When the Dutch became invested in the 18th century, Cognac rose above the competition and it’s now a protected and prestigious type of brandy.
Newbies are often thrown by the baffling letters that appear on cognac bottles, but all these signify is the age of the bottle. Now, to be more precise, cognac is made up of different blends usually of various ages, so this age statement lettering tells us the minimum age of the youngest liquid in the bottle.
VS (Very Special) is the youngest age statement and means that the youngest eaux-de-vie used has been aged for at least two years. VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) on the other hand is slightly older at four years. So, a VSOP Cognac will contain no liquid that wasn’t aged for four years, but is this as simple as older cognac equals better cognac?
How Does VSOP Cognac differ to VS and XO Cognac?
Each eaux-de-vie brings something different to the blend and you will find that a mixture of many different ages is commonly used to achieve the distiller’s vision. VSOP sits between VS (Very Special) and XO (Extra Old), because as mentioned, VSOP is a minimum of two years old, VSOP four, and XO must be at least ten! Beyond this, there are categories like XXO and unofficial names such as Napoleon cognac, so check out our comprehensive breakdown of age statements here (including recommendations from each!).
As a general rule, cognac becomes richer and often nuttier the more that it rests in the barrel, losing some of the fresh vibrance that VS brings. Whilst there is a correlation between cognac age and price, different bottles are used for different purposes as well as different mixers and like always, it all comes down to personal preference anyway! Which brings us onto…
How is VSOP Cognac drunk?
VSOP cognac is probably the most versatile age statement because it has the depth and complexity to be sipped over ice, but also can be enjoyed in cocktails. Like we say, there are no hard and fast rules because different bottles use different ages in varying proportions, but VSOP is what Aidy and Helena use most during The Three Drinkers in Cognac because it’s a fantastic balance of vibrance and depth.
It tends to give a cocktail such as the Sidecar a touch more extravagance and layering than a VS but might lack the complexity to be sipped on its own. You can find The Best Cocktails to Make with Cognac here where you can see that VSOP was used throughout the show, but particularly in long and simple serves like a Highball, a VSOP will absolutely shine.
Which VSOP Cognac should I try?
Courvoisier VSOP
Courvoisier are one of the main cognac houses we have to thank for the spirit’s resurgence and their VSOP is simply one of the best, picking up the Master award for Super Premium VSOP at the Luxury Masters. Around 10 years of ageing means the minimum requirements for a VSOP are easily exceeded creating a deep and warming richness plush with oaky vanilla, citrus, sugary coffee, and toasty spice.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £36.95
Frapin VSOP
A renowned and highly respected Grand Champagne Cognac, Frapin’s VSOP blend is full of fruity orange, persistent vanilla and lofty florality. The smoothness and complexity are well worth paying slightly more for.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £56.75
Hine Rare VSOP
Eaux-de-vie from the Grande and Petite Champagne regions are harmoniously blended into this elegantly floral expression that punches with fresh fruit and woody spice. With marmalade, toffee apples, ginger and candid orange at play, the rum-like finish is a pleasant surprise.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £54.95
Rémy Martin VSOP
The ever-dependable Rémy Martin produce a delicious smooth and mellow VSOP that has too many gongs to mention. Red berries, silky honey and warm vanilla from an iconic estate.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £40.99
Camus VSOP Borderies Single Estate
Most cognac bottles are blends of eaux-de-vie from various estates, often across multiple growing regions, but this is a little different. Made with eaux-de-vie from just one estate in the Borderies region, this is distinct with the nutty and floral notes associated with that particular cru. Super characterful and elegant, with a moreish touch of oil on the finish too.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £56.95
For more information about the rich world of cognac, check out the Beginner’s Guide. And if you want some delicious cocktails to make these VSOP bottles sing, go here!
