What does XO stand for cognac?

What does XO vs VSOP mean

VSOP stands for “Very Superior Old Pale”: VSOP cognacs are created from eaux-de-vie aged for at least four years. The VSOP category includes designations such as “Old” or “Reserve”. XO stands for “Extra Old”: XO cognacs are made only from eaux-de-vie at least six years old.

Is XO better than VSOP

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.

What is cognac XO vs VS vs VSOP

→ VS stands for Very Special, and it means Cognac was aged at least two years. → VSOP stands for Very Special Old Pale – aged at least four years. → XO or Napoleon means Extra Old – aged at least six years. There are even plans to change the definition of XO to be oak aged for at least ten years.

What does VSOP stand for in cognac

Very Superior Old Pale

VSOP, “Very Superior Old Pale”, which is now common for all Cognac Houses actually dates back to 1817 British Royal Court. So, what does VSOP stand for exactly For a cognac to be classified as a VSOP, the minimum age of the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend must be at least 4 years old.

Why is cognac XO so expensive

Creating Cognac is an incredibly long and complicated process. It must be distilled twice and aged in French oak barrels for at least two years. For a Cognac to be considered as Extra Old (XO), it must have been aged for a minimum of 10 years.

Why is Hennessy called VSOP

The name V.S.O.P originates from a special order placed by the future King George IV of England. He requested a "Very Special Old Pale" from the Maison Hennessy, and the first shipment was made in 1818.

Why is XO so expensive

Creating Cognac is an incredibly long and complicated process. It must be distilled twice and aged in French oak barrels for at least two years. For a Cognac to be considered as Extra Old (XO), it must have been aged for a minimum of 10 years.

Why is Hennessy XO cognac so expensive

However, the cost comes with good reason. According to French law, the X.O. category of cognac requires the liquor to be aged a minimum of ten years (via Cognac Expert). Yet, the eaux-de-vie included in the blend of Hennessy X.O contains barrels that are aged for up to 30 years, per Bar and Restaurant.

What is eau-de-vie in cognac

Eau-de-vie means 'water of life' and this is the French term for brandies made from a fruit other than grapes. (Confusingly, the term is also used for young brandy that will become cognac and armagnac once they have reached the statutory age to be described as such.)

Is VS and VSOP the same

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.

Is cognac a luxury

For many, Cognac is a drink that epitomises luxury and decadence. The renowned French brandy oozes class, sophistication and history. From the revered names of the 'big four' houses to small organic and family-owned producers, the world of Cognac really offers something for everyone.

What cognac do rich people drink

The house of Croizet is well-known for its luxury Cognacs. With a history that spans back over centuries, today it's new owners are doing their part to continue the heritage of this sought-after brand. Discover more about Croizet Cognac.

Why is Hennessy XO so expensive

Why is Hennessy so expensive Cognac is typically more expensive than other spirits. The main reason is that the distillation process itself is more expensive. The spirits base ingredient is grapes, rather than grains, and distilling wine from juice is also an expensive process.

What is most expensive cognac

Henri IV Dugnon Heritage Cognac

At around 2 million dollars a bottle, Henri IV Dugnon Heritage Cognac is the most expensive cognac by leaps and bounds. It is a bend of various eaux de vies aged in oak barrels for over 100 years.

What does VSOP mean in Hennessy

Very Superior Old Pale

VSOP stands for “Very Superior Old Pale”: VSOP cognacs are created from eaux-de-vie aged for at least four years. The VSOP category includes designations such as “Old” or “Reserve”. XO stands for “Extra Old”: XO cognacs are made only from eaux-de-vie at least six years old.

Is XO cognac the best

XO Cognac has the richest and most mature flavor profile. It's often described as “spicy” and “intense,” but it's simultaneously the best Cognac for sipping, especially as a nightcap.

What does VSOP mean in French

VSOP stands for “Very Superior Old Pale”: VSOP cognacs are created from eaux-de-vie aged for at least four years. The VSOP category includes designations such as “Old” or “Reserve”. XO stands for “Extra Old”: XO cognacs are made only from eaux-de-vie at least six years old.

What is VSOP vs VSOP cognac

VS stands for Very Special and only eaux-de-vie at least two years old can be used to make a VS Cognac. Other denominators and expressions are permitted in this class, such as "3 stars" or "luxury". VSOP stands for Very Superior Old Pale. VSOP cognacs are created from eaux-de-vie aged for at least four years.

How many years is XO aged

between 15 and 20 years

How old is an XO cognac Invented by a cognac house in 1870, the cognac XO means « Extra Old ». Indeed, its eaux-de-vie are aged in barrels for at least 10 years. But an XO has, in general, an average age between 15 and 20 years because of its blend.

What are the 4 best cognac

The names of Hennessy, Martell, Courvoisier, and Rémy Martin, or the Big 4 Cognac Houses are instantly recognizable wherever in the world you might be. Indeed, these top four Cognac maisons dominate all global sales of the iconic French Brandy.

Why is XO cognac so expensive

Creating Cognac is an incredibly long and complicated process. It must be distilled twice and aged in French oak barrels for at least two years. For a Cognac to be considered as Extra Old (XO), it must have been aged for a minimum of 10 years.

What is the meaning of eau de vie

water of life

An eau de vie (French for spirit, lit. 'water of life') is a clear, colourless fruit brandy that is produced by means of fermentation and double distillation. The fruit flavor is typically very light.

What is the meaning of eau-de-vie

water of life

An eau de vie (French for spirit, lit. 'water of life') is a clear, colourless fruit brandy that is produced by means of fermentation and double distillation. The fruit flavor is typically very light.

What are the three levels of cognac

Unlike other spirits such as whisky, cognac uses letters rather than numbers to indicate its age. There are four official aging ratings for this spirit: VS, VSOP, XO and EXTRA. These have been standardized by the BNIC, a first in the world of spirits. There are six cognac crus characterizing the production area.

How old is Remy Martin XO

Comprising 15% Petite Champagne and 85% Grande Champagne, this Fine Champagne cognac is blended from some 300 eaux-de-vie aged 10 – 37 years and is said to have an average tasting age of 25 years. This is a step up from the previous 'XO Special' which was aged 8 – 35 years giving an average tasting age of 22 years.