Today, Courvoisier is one of the four big Cognac houses in the world—alongside Hennessy, Martel, and Rémy Martin. It’s the only one of the 4 to have won the Prestige de la France award, and the only Cognac brand to oversee the entire production process from grape to bottle. Courvoisier was also the first brandy to advertise on TV. Courvoisier’s claims to fame are numerous. What other brandies can boast of being the favorite of political rebels like Napoléon Bonaparte, or collaborating with irreverent fashion superstars like Viviene Westwood? Or even being rapped about by some of hip-hops biggest names?

One of the world’s most famous Cognacs, no one does fancy quite like Courvoisier. Nor is any spirit quite so quintessentially French. This luxury Cognac has survived revolutions and world wars to emerge as one of the most desirable and exclusive French spirit brands around today.The VS of Courvoisier VS stands for Very Special. It refers to a blend whereby the youngest brandy used in production has been in a cask for at least two years. This mix of young and older Cognacs accords Courvoisier VS a subtle fruity taste. It’s a very versatile Cognac, great with ginger ale or fruit juice.

Tasting yields deep fruit flavors (dried fruits such as fig, dates, apricot and raisin.) There is nut skin dryness in the follow through. This cognac is warming, but without burn. It is slightly chewy. I vaguely taste molasses or just shy of molasses, but without the actual sugar sweetness. There are nice nutty notes. Overall, delicious! But fascinating history, illustrious present, and pioneering craftsmanship aside, Courvoisier also tastes spectacular. This light gold spirit has flavors of spring flowers, ripe fruits, and a peppery finish. It feels mature but also fresh, perfect for novice Cognac drinkers and connoisseurs alike.

It was purportedly a favorite of Napoléon Bonaparte, who, after visiting the Courvoisier cellars, demanded that a ration of the Cognac was given to his troops to keep up morale. He also took a generous supply of bottles with him into exile on St. Helena following his defeat at Waterloo. French statesman and military leader, Napoléon Bonaparte, was a fan of Courvoisier’s Cognac. I use the OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler. It’s handy, dishwasher safe, inexpensive, durable and easy to use. Courvoisier is a brand of Cognac, which, in turn, is a type of brandy—one made from a specific blend of grapes that must include at least 90% Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard varietals. Beyond that, there’s the limited edition Sherry Cask Finish blend, matured in sherry casks for additional smoothness and dried fruit notes. Or Courvoisier Rose, which offers drinkers a combination of Cognac and premium French red wine grapes. Cut both ends off of an orange. Remove the pulp of the orange while keeping the shell intact. Fit orange shell into the upper edge of a chilled wine goblet or champagne flute. Dip the rim of the glass along with the upper edge of the orange peel into a shallow plate of sugar. The idea is to coat the outer rim of the glass and the top side of the orange peel so it creates a seal around the glass. Set the glass aside.

The VS is delicious, but the VSOP is out of this world. It is definitely worth more than the small bump in price over the VS.Versatile and multi-layered, Courvoisier VSOP the Maison style of Cognac in Blossom. Each sip is redolent with the sweet maturity of late summer stone fruits, elevated by a touch of fragrant jasmine. The sweet hint of gingerbread spice leads into a smooth and velvety finish. Courvoisier Cognac VSOP—which stands for Very Special Old Pale—has been aged for four years or longer. Meanwhile, Courvoisier Cognac XO—or Extra Old—has been aged for at least six years. Courvoisier XO is a selection of beautifully matured eaux de vie, aged from 11 to 25 years, to highlight the complexity and richness of cognac aromas. The finished cognac is intensely aromatic and flavorful, with a velvety texture and aromatic bouquet, laced with hints of crème brûlée, candied orange, and iris flower. Courvoisier can be enjoyed instead of wine with food. Opt for Courvoisier VS for food like hard cheese or seafood. For meat, you want an older Cognac with rich and fruity notes, like Courvoisier VSOP. The union of Grande and Petite Champagnes ensures harmony, while Fins Bois contributes a floral and fruity character. Courvoisier Cognac VSOP contains nutty chocolate and coffee flavors. There are delicious dried fruit flavors with a little vanilla in the finish. This one is not quite as chewy as the VS, but the flavor and viscosity make me want to roll it around on my tongue a bit longer before swallowing. I detect a little caramel and possibly hint of orange zest.