Cognac Classification

• Cognac bottles carry the labels VS, VSOP and XO to indicate how long the Cognac has aged. VS Cognac is at least two years old. VSOP Cognac is at least four years old. The XO label is reserved for Cognac that has aged for six years or longer.

The Aging Process

• Cognac, as it ages, extracts substances from its oak barrel known as "dry extracts." These lend subtle flavors and darken the Cognac. Typically, the older the Cognac, the deeper the color.

Differences Between VSOP and XO

• Rancio is a subtle, bitter taste, which Cognac connoisseurs prize. It takes 15 to 25 years of aging to develop. While VSOP Cognac doesn't exhibit rancio, it's more affordable than its XO counterpart. A lesser XO might cost $80, while a good VSOP can run about $40.