Courvoisier VS Cognac 750ML

Courvoisier VS Cognac 750ML is a French brandy blended from Fins Bois and Petite Champagne crus, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). It earned 92 points from Wine Enthusiast and a Gold Medal at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — recognition that places it among the strongest VS-level cognacs available.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Jarnac, Cognac, France  |  VS (aged 3–7 years)  |  Distillery: Courvoisier

Production & Heritage

Courvoisier has been based in Jarnac, in the heart of the Cognac appellation, since the early 19th century. The house is recognized as one of the "Big Four" cognac producers and has claimed the title of Most Awarded Cognac House since 2019. For this VS expression, Ugni Blanc grapes from the Fins Bois and Petite Champagne growing areas are double-distilled with their fine lees in small 25-hectoliter copper pot stills — a deliberate choice to preserve complexity. The resulting eaux-de-vie mature for three to seven years in French oak casks, producing a young cognac with more depth than its VS designation might suggest.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with golden raisins and ripe pear before moving into milk chocolate and dried stone fruit. Deeper inhalation reveals apricot, fig, and a touch of Virginia tobacco layered over subtle oily nuttiness and light oak.

Taste: Entry on the palate is smooth and rounded, led by orchard fruit and soft vanilla. The mid-palate expands into almond and subtle floral tones, with stone fruit continuing to anchor the profile. Light oak provides gentle structure without dominating the blend.

Finish: The finish is soft, clean, and elegantly warming, though relatively short. Lingering sweetness and a final whisper of vanilla close the experience gracefully.

How to Drink Courvoisier VS

Neat or over a single large ice cube is the simplest way to appreciate the fruit-forward character and gentle warmth. A splash of water opens up the floral and almond notes slightly. Beyond sipping, this VS cognac works well in cocktails:

• Sidecar — the stone fruit and vanilla backbone stands up to Cointreau and fresh lemon without losing identity.
• French 75 (Cognac variation) — the clean, fruity profile complements champagne's effervescence and lemon brightness.
• Vieux Carré — almond and oak notes integrate smoothly with rye whiskey and sweet vermouth in this classic New Orleans cocktail.

Best For

• Introducing someone to cognac for the first time with a well-regarded, approachable expression
• Building a home cocktail bar with a versatile, award-winning brandy
• Gifting a spirits enthusiast who appreciates French brandy traditions
• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or dark chocolate

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Courvoisier VS taste like? Courvoisier VS delivers a smooth, fruit-driven palate of ripe stone fruit, orchard fruit, and vanilla, with almond and light oak in the background. The finish is short and clean with an elegant warming quality.

How does Courvoisier VS compare to Hennessy VS? Both are VS-level cognacs from major houses bottled at 40% ABV, but Courvoisier VS tends toward a softer, more fruit-forward and floral profile, while Hennessy VS is generally perceived as bolder and more spirit-driven. Courvoisier's use of Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie distilled on lees contributes added complexity that distinguishes it at this price tier.

Is Courvoisier VS good for beginners? Yes — its smooth, approachable character and gentle warmth make it one of the more accessible entry points into cognac. The relatively mild oak influence and short, sweet finish are forgiving for palates new to brandy.

Where is Courvoisier VS made? Courvoisier VS is produced at the Courvoisier distillery in Jarnac, located within the officially delimited Cognac region of southwestern France. The eaux-de-vie are sourced from the Fins Bois and Petite Champagne crus, two of the six recognized growing areas in the appellation.

What foods pair well with Courvoisier VS? Dark chocolate truffles complement the vanilla and milk chocolate aromatics. Aged Comté cheese mirrors the nutty undertones. Fresh stone fruit desserts like a peach tart echo the dominant fruit character. Roasted almonds highlight the mid-palate nuttiness. Crème brûlée pairs naturally with the vanilla and warm oak finish.

What sizes does Courvoisier VS come in? The standard size is 750ml, which is the most widely available format. It can also be found in 375ml and 1L bottles depending on market availability.

Is Courvoisier VS worth the price? Courvoisier VS positions as an entry-level cognac expression, but its 92-point Wine Enthusiast score and Gold Medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition suggest it delivers quality above what its price tier typically provides.

Why Courvoisier VS?

What separates this VS from the crowded entry-level cognac field is Courvoisier's insistence on small 25-hectoliter pot stills and distillation on fine lees — techniques more commonly associated with higher-tier expressions. The inclusion of Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie in the blend adds a layer of complexity and length that pure Fins Bois bottlings often lack at this level. A 92-point rating from Wine Enthusiast and Gold Medal recognition at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition back up the house's reputation as one of the most decorated in cognac. For a VS-designated spirit aged three to seven years, it punches above its weight in both depth and critical acclaim.