Crafted in Jarnac, France

Country of Origin: France
Style: VSOP Cognac
ABV: 40%
Bottle Size: 70cl

Description

Courvoisier VSOP is an elegant and beautifully balanced French Cognac, continuing the legacy of craftsmanship that has earned the house its famous title as “The Cognac of Napoleon.” Produced in Jarnac, in the heart of France’s Cognac region, this refined VSOP expression offers greater depth and complexity through extended ageing, revealing layers of ripe fruit, delicate floral notes, vanilla, and toasted oak.

The Origins: From Paris to Cognac Country

The Courvoisier story began in 1809 when Emmanuel Courvoisier and Louis Gallois established a wine and spirits business in Bercy, a thriving trading district just outside Paris.

Rather than simply producing spirits, the pair specialised in sourcing and maturing exceptional Cognacs from the Charente region, building a reputation among Parisian society for quality, consistency, and refinement.

The Napoleon Legend

Courvoisier’s most famous chapter is forever linked to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

In 1811, Napoleon is said to have visited the Courvoisier warehouses in Bercy and developed an appreciation for the quality of their Cognac. According to legend, he later ensured supplies travelled with his armies as a luxury ration for morale.

Following Napoleon’s defeat in 1815, the story continued aboard HMS Bellerophon, the British ship that carried him into exile. British officers reportedly discovered the Cognac onboard and referred to it as “The Brandy of Napoleon” — a nickname that would become central to Courvoisier’s worldwide reputation.

Moving to Jarnac

In 1828, Félix Courvoisier and Jules Gallois, sons of the founders, moved the business from Paris to Jarnac in the Cognac region.

This important move allowed the house to work closer to the vineyards, distillers, and ageing cellars responsible for creating the spirit. The famous Courvoisier Château, overlooking the Charente River, became a lasting symbol of the brand’s heritage.

The Craft Behind Courvoisier VSOP

VSOP stands for “Very Superior Old Pale,” meaning the youngest eau-de-vie within the blend has been matured for a minimum of four years in French oak barrels, although many of the eaux-de-vie are considerably older.

Courvoisier VSOP is crafted from a carefully selected blend of eaux-de-vie, predominantly from the Grande and Petite Champagne crus, renowned for producing Cognacs of exceptional elegance, structure, and ageing potential.

Extended maturation allows the vibrant fruit character to develop greater richness and complexity while harmonising beautifully with notes of vanilla, toasted oak, warm spice, and delicate floral aromas. The result is a Cognac celebrated for its remarkable smoothness and refined balance.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Ripe apricot, peach, jasmine, vanilla, toasted almonds, and gentle oak spice.

Palate: Smooth and well-rounded with honey, dried fruit, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, toasted oak, and delicate floral complexity.

Finish: Long, elegant, and warming with lingering oak, sweet spice, dried fruit, and subtle vanilla.

Perfect Serve

Courvoisier VSOP is best enjoyed neat in a tulip-shaped Cognac glass, allowing its delicate aromas and layered character to fully develop.

It is equally enjoyable over a large ice cube or with a splash of still water, which gently opens the floral and fruit notes.

For an elegant cocktail, Courvoisier VSOP creates an exceptional Sidecar, combining Cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice for a beautifully balanced serve that showcases its rich, smooth character.