What is the difference between XO and VS cognac?

The designations you see on Cognac labels—VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) and XO (Extra Old)—are a guarantee of how long a Cognac has been aged. VS indicates that the Cognac has been aged at least two years, VSOP at least four years and XO (Extra Old) at least six years.

Which is better XO or VSOP cognac?

Is XO or VSOP better? An XO cognac must be aged for a minimum of 10 years, in comparison a VSOP must age for a minimum of four years. It comes down to personal preference which is better but an XO is usually considered as superior.

Why is cognac called XO?

XO stands for “Extra Old”: XO cognacs are made only from eaux-de-vie at least six years old. Cognacs such as “Napoleon” or “Old Reserve” are equivalent to XO cognac. Incidentally, the reason these abbreviations are in English is because cognac has been exported for many years and the first importers spoke English.

Is XO brandy a cognac?

VSOP: “Very Superior Old Pale,” a cognac that's aged for at least four years. XO: “Extra Old,” a cognac that has aged six years, or more.

What is the highest grade of cognac?

Hors d'Age is widely considered the highest quality Cognac. This will have been aged, usually for more than 30 years but in many instances, it is difficult to tell the exact age of Cognacs in this classification as they have been around for so long.

XO Cognac Challenge: Hennessy Vs. Remy Martin Vs. Courvoisier

Which cognac is the smoothest?

Is Hennessy better than Remy Martin?

Even though Hennessy sells more Cognac overall, it seems that when comparing the two collections, they both win big. According to brand ambassador Maurice Hennessy, an eighth-generation family member, the company's V.S. expression is the most consumed Cognac in the world. And as for Rémy, its V.S.O.P.

Is Grand Marnier a cognac?

Grand Marnier is an exceptional blend of fine cognac and exotic bitter orange liqueur, created by Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle.

Is Hennessy a brandy or cognac?

Contrary to popular confusion, Hennessy is not a whiskey but is instead a type of brandy. The term brandy refers to a spirit distilled from a fermented fruit juice, be it grape or other fruits such as apple (used to make apple brandies like Calvados).

Is Courvoisier a brandy or cognac?

You're likely familiar with brands like Hennessy, Remy Martin, Courvoisier, and Martell. All of these are cognacs, but also all are brandies.

What are the quality grades of cognac in order?

The designations you see on Cognac labels—VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) and XO (Extra Old)—are a guarantee of how long a Cognac has been aged. VS indicates that the Cognac has been aged at least two years, VSOP at least four years and XO (Extra Old) at least six years.

Which is better Hennessy VS or VSOP?

Hennessy Privilege VSOP ($50) has a smooth but stronger flavor than VS, with heavier wood on nose. VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) is a blend of 60 different eau de vie with the oldest being 15 years, and the youngest 4-5 years.

What does hors d age mean for cognac?

Hors D'âge Cognac is generally considered to be Cognac so fine that it transcends the normal age-based scale, Hors D'âge literally meaning "beyond age". See and sample for yourself, these Cognacs really are very fine indeed.

Is cognac stronger than brandy?

Hence, there is technically no difference between brandy and cognac as much as there is a difference between Cognac and other types of brandy spirits (like Armagnac, for instance). Specifically, all cognac comes from the Cognac region of Southwest France, home to six distinct terroirs and the white grapes therein.

Are brandy and cognac the same?

Every cognac is a brandy, but not all brandy is a cognac. As previously mentioned, brandy is distilled fruit juice, and it can be any kind of fruit juice, while cognac is a specific type of distilled fruit juice with lots of qualifications.

What's the difference between bourbon and cognac?

The main difference between cognac and bourbon is the base ingredients. Cognac is made using distilled wine from grapes produced specifically in the Cognac region of southwestern France. In contrast, bourbon is a type of whiskey made of fermented grain mash produced in the United States, but mostly in Kentucky.

Is St Remy a cognac?

St. Remy is quite available, good, and cheap - it is a French Brandy, so, although it isn't from the region of Cognac or Armagnac, it is still in the same category - but cheaper because it doesn't have the prestigious regional designation.

Why can't you buy pure white Hennessy in the US?

So, to summarize, no, White Hennessy is not illegal and has never been illegal in the United States. The cognac giant just doesn't sell it in the country (and many other countries) without publicly revealing the reason.

What is the strongest alcohol in the world?

Spirytus Stawski (96% Alcohol) This is the world's most strongest and potent liquor, that has a gentle smell and a mild taste. It is made using premium ethyl alcohol with a grain base.

Is Cointreau a cognac?

Cointreau is the leading brand of triple sec, an orange flavored liqueur made from sweet and bitter orange peels. While Cointreau is not a cognac, its connections with cognac run deep. For starters, Cointreau is owned by the French spirits conglomerate Rémy Contreau, an entity that also owns Cognac House Rémy Martin.

Is Cointreau the same as Grand Marnier?

Grand Marnier is an orange liqueur in the curaçao tradition, and Cointreau is a triple sec. Grand Marnier is a blend of cognac and triple sec, so although it's not a traditional curaçao, it's a similar product. Cointreau, on the other hand, is straight up a triple sec.

Which is better Grand Marnier or Cointreau?

Cointreau will make the drink lighter and brighter, with a stronger citrus aroma. Grand Marnier will bring weight and oaky sweetness. If you're substituting Grand Marnier for Cointreau, consider reducing the other sweeteners in the drink slightly to account for its added sweetness and weight.

Is Courvoisier or Hennessy better?

Courvoisier is for those who want to have a cognac sip that leaves a sweet lingering taste of fruitiness in their tongue. Hennessy is for individuals who want to feel at the top of the world and for a luxurious feel.

What is the number one cognac?

Hennessy is a cognac house that needs no introduction as it's one of the most well-known cognac brands in the world — it's also the top-selling brand in the United States. Hennessy has one of the largest collections of eaux-de-vie in the world, with over 350,000 barrels stored in 65 cellars.

Do you drink cognac straight?

As an aperitif, cognac is usually consumed neat. Adding a drop of water will reveal more fruity, floral, and spicy aromas, making the tasting experience smoother.