The Connoisseurs Choice (Courvoisier Cognac VS)

Member Name: vinodgm

Product:	Courvoisier Cognac VS
Date:	14/01/02 (729 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Exquisite, Affordable

Disadvantages: An occasional drink

I cannot claim to be a connoisseur of cognac but you do not have to be one in order to experience the magical feeling of this nectar.

Courvoisier cognac is a name that is synonymous with high quality spirit and is one of the first brands that springs to mind when the word cognac or brandy is mentioned.

The range includes the VS, VSOP and XO types. If you are an occasional cognac drinker like myself and wish to experience the true feelings of a magnificent drink then the VS is the right one for you.

There are many brands of cognac and brandies available but I personally believe that this is a drink that deserves respect and therefore your choice plays a major part in this.

VS stands for “Very Special” and this implies that the cognac has been aged for a certain length of time. The longer aged ones boast the symbols of VSOP and XO.

Courvoisier is known for its unique association with Emperor Napoleon I, who was and avid drinker and known connoisseur of fine cognacs. This was his brand of choice and it was one this very fact that Courvoisier came into prominence. Each and every bottle of Courvoisier produced today bears Napoleon’s picture as evidence of this fact.

Courvoisier cognac is produced from a grape variety that is only grown in the region of Cognac in France. The distilling process involves the nectar being distilled in something called the “Charente” alembic pot still, which is a hundreds of years old tradition still being used today. The nectar is aged in hand-crafted oak barrels for the specific amount of time depending on the type being produced.

Courvoisier is acknowledged as probably the finest cognac available in the world today and this is further testified by it being the No. 2 brand in the U.K. and the No. 3 brand in the U.S.A.

As mentioned earlier, although I am an occasional cognac drinker, this is a drink that I just love to indulge myself in when
I need to reflect on time and matters past and present.
A comfortable armchair, dimmed lights and classical music will add immensely to your drinking pleasure.

All cognacs produce that almighty burning sensation when first sipped and therefore it is recommended that you first dip you finger into the glass and have a little sampler just to get your taste buds and stomach accustomed to what is about to behold them. A good sniff prior to drinking is also advisable and deemed necessary.

There is also the notion that cognacs such as these are just not for our pockets and best left alone and for the upper crust of society. This is a notion that is totally untrue which is evidenced by the fact that a 75 cl. bottle of Courvoisier VS goes for only around £ 18.00. This is an extremely small price to pay for an immensely high quality drink. The alcoholic content is a respectable 40% by volume.

Naturally the VSOP, XO and above are substantially more expensive and I would not recommend these to an occasional cognac drinker unless a momentous occasion in your life warrants it.

Overall I am pleased with my choice after all if Napoleon loved it then why shouldn’t I.

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