Courvoisier VSOP Cognac Review

A full-bodied, rich, and reasonably priced cognac is Courvoisier. A dry, woody finish that appeals to a wide range of palates is accompanied by flavors of stone fruit, almonds, raisins, and sweet spice.

Courvoisier VSOP Tasting NotesColor

In the bottle, Courvoisier VSOP appears as a dark reddish-amber. Once poured into a tulip glass or snifter, it transforms into a bright copper with delightful hints of orange and gold.

Nose

The aroma features a hint of honey along with a sweet bouquet of peaches and apricots. There's a dry oak note reminiscent of an older XO cognac, with just a hint of alcoholic warmth.

Palate

As promised by the nose, the palate is dominated by luscious peach, with hints of cinnamon, almonds, and raisins providing support. The experience is enhanced by the rich, viscous mouthfeel, and mid-palate dry oakiness occurs along with a faint burn at the back of the throat and a tingly spice.

Finish

The finish is medium in length—dry and woody, with sweet raisin notes that provide balance. While it's not unpleasant, one might expect a longer finish given the richness of the cognac.

Our Review

Courvoisier is famously known as the "cognac of Napoleon," with a storied history dating back to its founding in 1809. Napoleon himself reportedly enjoyed the brand, taking several cases with him during his exile. Over the years, Courvoisier has garnered a reputation among notable figures, including Charles Dickens, and remains popular in contemporary culture, from “SNL” skits to hip-hop references.

This VSOP expression effectively balances the youthful fruitiness of younger VS cognacs with the deeper woodiness of older XOs. The vibrant notes of peach and apricot play well with the dry oak spice, especially at the back of the tongue. While the finish could be seen as a tad unbalanced due to its stronger kick, it's a minor flaw for a cognac at this price point.

At just $35, Courvoisier VSOP is an excellent choice for both mixing and sipping. It shines in classic cocktails like the Sidecar and offers a fruity twist in a cognac French 75, a delightful alternative to the gin version.

In the end, Courvoisier's value outweighs its slight flaws, even though there are better VSOPs out there. It is a good option to drink on its own or in your preferred mixed drinks.