Courvoisier VS 1L

Courvoisier VS 1L is a French cognac blended from Fins Bois and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie, bottled at 40% ABV in a 1-liter format. This expression earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast and took Gold at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, placing it among the most decorated VS-category cognacs from any major house.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Jarnac, Cognac, France  |  VS (aged 3–7 years)  |  Distillery: Courvoisier

Production & Heritage

Courvoisier has operated from Jarnac in the Charente department since the early 19th century, building a reputation as one of the "Big Four" cognac houses. The VS expression is composed principally of Fins Bois eaux-de-vie balanced by Petite Champagne, with individual components aged between three and seven years — exceeding the legal minimum of two years for the VS designation. A distinguishing detail in Courvoisier's cellar program is the use of handmade oak barrels, some over 200 years old, which contribute subtler tannin extraction and more nuanced wood character than newer cooperage typically provides.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with honey and ripe pear, then moves into vanilla and a gentle floral lift reminiscent of violet. A faint citrus edge — grapefruit in particular — adds brightness beneath the sweeter top notes.

Taste: On entry, the palate is soft with fresh apple and pear fruit giving way to luscious vanilla and butterscotch through the mid-palate. As it develops, dried apricot emerges alongside light baking spice, lending depth without heaviness. The oak presence stays restrained, contributing structure rather than dominating the fruit.

Finish: Medium in length with a fresh oaky close and lingering hints of peach and warm spice. The texture remains smooth throughout, tapering off cleanly without bitterness.

How to Drink Courvoisier VS

Courvoisier VS is versatile enough to sip neat at room temperature, though a single large ice cube can open up the fruit notes for those who prefer a slightly cooler serve. Its balanced sweetness and moderate oak make it an excellent cocktail cognac: try it in a Sidecar, where the vanilla and apricot tones complement Cointreau and fresh lemon; in a French 75 variation (substituting cognac for gin), where its floral aromatics lift the sparkling wine; or in a classic Stinger, where the honey character pairs seamlessly with white crème de menthe.

Best For

• Introducing a curious drinker to quality cognac without a steep price barrier
• Stocking a home bar for brandy-based cocktail mixing
• Hosting a comparative tasting of VS-level cognacs from major houses
• Gifting a spirits enthusiast who appreciates French brandy

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Courvoisier VS taste like? Courvoisier VS delivers a fruit-forward profile led by apple, pear, and dried apricot, supported by vanilla, butterscotch, and gentle baking spice. The oak influence is present but measured, giving it a smooth, approachable character.

How does Courvoisier VS compare to Hennessy VS? Both share prominent oak and caramel notes, but Courvoisier VS tends to lean more toward fruit and floral elements, while Hennessy VS often presents a bolder, slightly more tannic oak profile. Courvoisier VS is generally priced roughly 20% below Hennessy VS, making it a strong value alternative among the Big Four houses.

Is Courvoisier VS good for cocktails? Its balanced sweetness, clean fruit, and moderate oak make Courvoisier VS one of the most frequently recommended VS cognacs for mixing. It holds its own in spirit-forward drinks like Sidecars and performs equally well in lighter, citrus-driven serves.

Where is Courvoisier VS made? Courvoisier VS is produced at the Courvoisier distillery in Jarnac, located within the Cognac appellation of southwestern France. The blend draws primarily from the Fins Bois and Petite Champagne crus of the Cognac region.

What foods pair well with Courvoisier VS? Dark chocolate truffles complement the vanilla and butterscotch notes well. Aged Comté cheese mirrors the subtle nuttiness in the oak. Fresh stone fruit like peaches echo the apricot tones. Almond biscotti pairs with the baking spice finish, and mild charcuterie provides a savory counterpoint to the cognac's fruit-forward sweetness.

What sizes does Courvoisier VS come in? Courvoisier VS is widely available in 375ml, 750ml, and 1L bottles, with 200ml and 50ml miniatures also found in many markets.

Is Courvoisier VS worth the price? Courvoisier VS positions as an entry-level expression within the Courvoisier range and competes favorably among Big Four VS cognacs, typically sitting below Hennessy VS in price while matching or exceeding it in competition medals and critic scores.

Why Courvoisier VS?

A 90-point score from Wine Enthusiast and Gold at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition set Courvoisier VS apart in a category crowded with competent but undistinguished blends. The use of oak barrels over 200 years old contributes a refinement in wood character that most VS cognacs, aged in younger cooperage, simply cannot replicate. Its blend of Fins Bois and Petite Champagne — aged well beyond the two-year legal minimum — delivers layered fruit complexity unusual at this tier. For drinkers seeking a cognac that punches above its classification, the 1-liter format makes Courvoisier VS a particularly practical choice.