Courvoisier VS Cognac 1.75L

Courvoisier VS Cognac 1.75L is a French brandy bottled at 40% ABV in a value-sized 1.75-liter format, blending eaux-de-vie aged between three and seven years. Awarded 92 points by Wine Enthusiast and a Gold Medal at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it stands as one of the most decorated VS-level cognacs on the market.

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

Production & Heritage

Courvoisier is headquartered in Jarnac, in the Charente region of southwestern France, and has been producing cognac since the early 19th century. Uniquely among the Big Four cognac houses (Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Martell, Courvoisier), the house focuses exclusively on sourcing, blending, and aging rather than owning vineyards or operating its own stills — a model that allows its cellar master exceptional latitude in selecting eaux-de-vie. The VS expression is composed principally of Fins Bois eaux-de-vie balanced by Petite Champagne, double-distilled in traditional copper pot stills and matured in handcrafted French oak barrels. The base grape throughout is Ugni Blanc, the dominant variety of the Cognac appellation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh apple and pear appear first, followed by ripe peach and delicate floral tones. Underneath, light oak and a gentle whisper of baking spice add depth without overwhelming the fruit.

Taste: The entry is soft and fruit-forward — dried fig, raisin, and baked apple dominate the mid-palate. A light blanket of vanilla emerges as the blend opens up, giving way to brisk baking spice and a brief flicker of alcohol warmth at the peak.

Finish: Medium to long in length, ending with light pepper and lingering dried-fruit sweetness. The oak influence stays restrained, leaving a clean, gently warming close.

How to Drink Courvoisier VS

At 40% ABV with a fruit-driven profile, Courvoisier VS is approachable neat at room temperature or over a single large ice cube, which opens up the vanilla and stone-fruit aromatics. It also serves as a versatile cocktail base in several classic builds:

• Sidecar — The ripe-fruit sweetness and light oak balance Cointreau and fresh lemon juice without being overshadowed.
• French 75 (Cognac variation) — The floral, pear-forward aromatics complement champagne and lemon for a bright, celebratory serve.
• Stinger — The baking spice and vanilla notes pair naturally with white crème de menthe, creating a smooth after-dinner drink.

Best For

• Stocking a home bar with a versatile, award-winning cognac at volume value
• Hosting cocktail-forward gatherings where a 1.75L format avoids mid-party shortages
• Introducing new cognac drinkers to the category through an accessible VS expression
• Batch-mixing classic cognac cocktails for dinner parties or seasonal entertaining

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Courvoisier VS taste like? Courvoisier VS delivers a fruit-forward profile built around baked apple, dried fig, and raisin, layered with vanilla and light baking spice. The finish is medium-length with gentle pepper warmth.

How does Courvoisier VS compare to Hennessy VS? Hennessy VS tends to lean heavier on oak and spice with a fuller body, while Courvoisier VS emphasizes delicate fruit and floral notes with a softer, lighter texture. Both are VS-category cognacs at 40% ABV, but Courvoisier's use of predominantly Fins Bois eaux-de-vie gives it a more approachable, fruit-driven character compared to Hennessy's bolder, wood-influenced palate.

Is Courvoisier VS good for cocktails? Its fruit-forward, clean profile and moderate oak influence make it an excellent cocktail cognac, especially in citrus-driven classics like the Sidecar and the cognac-based French 75.

Where is Courvoisier VS made? Courvoisier VS is produced in Jarnac, within the Charente region of southwestern France — the heart of the Cognac appellation. The house sources its eaux-de-vie primarily from the Fins Bois and Petite Champagne crus.

What foods pair well with Courvoisier VS? The baked-apple and vanilla notes complement aged Comté or Gruyère cheese. Dried fig and raisin tones pair well with charcuterie boards featuring cured meats and toasted nuts. The light spice finish works alongside dark-chocolate desserts, crème brûlée, or fruit tarts featuring stone fruit and pear.

What sizes does Courvoisier VS come in? Courvoisier VS is widely available in 375ml, 750ml, 1L, and this 1.75L format, making it one of the more broadly distributed cognacs across multiple bottle sizes.

Is Courvoisier VS worth the price? Courvoisier VS positions as a well-regarded entry-level cognac, and the 1.75L format delivers strong volume value for everyday sipping and cocktail use. Its 92-point Wine Enthusiast rating and Gold Medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition suggest quality that outperforms many bottles in the same tier.

Why Courvoisier VS?

Among VS cognacs, Courvoisier's blend of predominantly Fins Bois eaux-de-vie balanced by Petite Champagne produces a distinctly fruit-forward, floral character that separates it from spicier, oak-heavy competitors. Its 92-point rating from Wine Enthusiast and Gold Medal at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition confirm that critical recognition backs up the house's reputation. The 1.75L format makes it a practical choice for anyone who relies on cognac as a regular pour — at home, behind a bar, or for batch cocktails. Courvoisier's singular focus on blending and aging, rather than owning vineyards or distilling its own spirit, gives its cellar master the freedom to select the best available eaux-de-vie vintage by vintage — a production philosophy that shows clearly in the glass.