Courvoisier VS 200ML

Courvoisier VS 200ML is a French cognac bottled at 40% ABV in a convenient 200ml format, double-distilled in copper pot stills in Jarnac, France. Awarded 90 points by Wine Enthusiast, this VS (Very Special) expression has earned recognition at both the IWSC and San Francisco World Spirits Competition, underscoring its standing among top-tier entry-level cognacs.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Jarnac, Charente, France  |  VS (Very Special)  |  Distillery: Courvoisier

Production & Heritage

Courvoisier has been producing cognac in Jarnac, in the Charente region of France, since the early 19th century. The house sources Ugni Blanc grapes from four prestigious crus — Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, and Fins Bois — and distills them using traditional Charentaise double distillation in copper pot stills. What distinguishes Courvoisier from many competitors is its insistence on smaller stills: the first distillation uses stills with a maximum capacity of 2,500 liters, while the second distillation sometimes employs stills as small as 600 liters, a practice the house believes concentrates aromas and maximizes copper contact for a more refined spirit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe stone fruit and a gentle sweetness before giving way to honey and vanilla. Underneath, delicate floral tones — particularly violet — mingle with young oak and a light spiritous warmth.

Taste: The entry carries a mild spice that quickly softens into a smooth, fruit-forward mid-palate. Luscious butterscotch and vanilla undercurrents develop, building toward bold dried apricot and spring flower notes at the peak. The mouthfeel stays approachable and balanced throughout.

Finish: Medium in length, the finish resolves with lingering warmth from fresh oak and a clean, fruity sweetness. A subtle spice returns at the tail end, leaving a dry but pleasant close.

How to Drink Courvoisier VS

The 200ml size makes Courvoisier VS ideal for sampling neat at room temperature, where its fruit-forward character and floral complexity emerge clearly. A single ice cube can temper the youthful spirit notes if preferred. This VS expression also performs well in cocktails: a Sidecar, where the apricot and vanilla tones complement Cointreau and lemon; a French 75 riff substituting cognac for gin, letting the floral notes play against champagne's acidity; and a classic Cognac & Ginger highball, where the butterscotch warmth pairs naturally with spicy ginger ale.

Best For

• Introducing a friend or guest to quality cognac without a full-bottle commitment
• Travel-friendly spirits for flights or weekend trips
• Building a home cocktail kit with a reliable VS-level cognac
• Tasting alongside other VS expressions to develop palate calibration

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Courvoisier VS taste like? Courvoisier VS leads with ripe fruit sweetness, honey, and vanilla before transitioning into butterscotch and dried apricot, finishing with gentle oak spice. It is smooth and approachable, with a noticeable floral quality that distinguishes it from heavier VS cognacs.

How does Courvoisier VS compare to Hennessy VS? Both are benchmark VS cognacs at 40% ABV, but Courvoisier VS tends to be lighter and more fruit-and-floral driven, while Hennessy VS leans toward a bolder, slightly oakier profile. Courvoisier's use of smaller pot stills — as small as 600 liters — contributes to a more aromatic, delicate character compared to Hennessy's fuller body.

Is Courvoisier VS good for sipping neat? Yes, its smooth texture and balanced fruit-forward profile make it an accessible neat pour, especially for those newer to cognac. A small amount of water or a single ice cube can further soften the youthful spirit notes.

Where is Courvoisier VS made? Courvoisier VS is produced in Jarnac, located in the Charente department of southwestern France, within the legally defined Cognac appellation. The house sources grapes from four crus: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, and Fins Bois.

What foods pair well with Courvoisier VS? Dried apricots and mixed nuts echo the cognac's fruit and butterscotch notes. Mild blue cheese provides a savory counterpoint to its sweetness. Dark chocolate (60–70% cacao) highlights the vanilla undertones. Pork rillettes match the spirit's soft richness, and crème brûlée mirrors its caramelized, custard-like qualities.

What sizes does Courvoisier VS come in? Courvoisier VS is widely available in 200ml, 375ml, 750ml, and 1 liter bottles, making it one of the more accessible cognacs across multiple formats.

Is Courvoisier VS worth the price? Courvoisier VS positions as a strong entry-level cognac, and its 90-point Wine Enthusiast rating places it among the better-reviewed spirits in the VS tier. The 200ml format offers an especially low-risk way to experience a well-regarded house without committing to a full bottle.

Why Courvoisier VS?

The defining advantage of Courvoisier VS lies in its small-still distillation — an increasingly uncommon practice at this price tier that produces a more concentrated, aromatic spirit. A 90-point Wine Enthusiast rating and recognition from both the IWSC and San Francisco World Spirits Competition validate what the liquid delivers: a cognac that punches above its VS classification in terms of finesse. The blend of four crus gives the cellar master a broader palette of flavors to work with, resulting in a layered complexity unusual for a young cognac. In the 200ml format, it serves as one of the most practical introductions to serious French brandy available today.