By now, you’ve probably noticed that Courvoisier refers to their spirits as cognac, not brandy. But what’s the difference? Brandy and cognac are effectively the same thing, but cognac is a very specific type of brandy. Cognac is produced in the region of Cognac, France, and only brandy made in this area is allowed to be cognac (similar to how champagne can only be called as such if it’s made in Champagne). The production process is still the same as the one established in the early 1800s, with the use of traditional Charentais alembic pot stills, and distillation only takes place between November and March. 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.

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. You could also add a bit of tonic water and a slice of lemon. Use a white wine glass so you can swirl the liquid around and sniff it. Courvoisier has appeared in James Bond films like Diamonds Are Forever, and hip-hop superstars, P. Diddy, Pharell and Busta Rhymes, dedicated their songs Pass the Courvoisier and Pass the Courvoisier, Part II to the drink. Gareth Mallory and M sharing a glass of Courvoisier VSOP cognac in James Bond’s SkyFall.

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.

After being founded in 1809 by Emmanuel Courvoisier and Louis Gallois, it wasn’t long before Courvoisier became a favorite among the upper echelons of society. And, at the opening ceremony of the Eiffel Tower in 1889—the beginning of Paris’ Golden Age, or Belle Époque—Courvoisier was the drink of celebration. Secrets and specifics: the production process 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.Throughout its history, Courvoisier cognac was a drink to be enjoyed by the highest classes of society. It was a notable favorite of Napoleon, and was even served that the opening ceremony of the Eiffel Tower at the World’s Fair in the year 1889. With a selection ranging from VS to their Initiale Extra, Courvoisier promises a smooth, full-body taste that can be appreciated by newbies and connoisseurs alike. Brandy vs. Cognac: What’s the difference? Brandy and cognac are truly a connoisseur's choice when it comes to distilled spirits. Their smooth, warming character makes them excellent for sipping after meals, while VSOP (very superior old pale) is best served as an apéritif. Or you can give a proper end to your dinner with a glass of calvados. Sweet and fruity, this apple brandy pairs well with rich desserts like chocolate cake and tiramisu. 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?

Meanwhile, L’Esprit de Courvoisier is one of the world’s most highly regarded Cognacs, made from a 200-year old Eaux-de-vie and a serious status symbol. There’s also Courvoisier Succession J.S., an exclusive and limited edition blend, now a highly coveted collector’s item, created for the bi-centenary of Napoléon’s coronation. Or L’Essence de Courvoisier du Dragon, which was released in 2012 to celebrate the Chinese year of the Dragon and comes in a Baccarat crystal bottle engraved with a golden dragon. Courvoisier today: from high fashion to hip-hopCourvoisier is known for distilling luxury cognac. With a rich history that’s heavily interwoven with notable events like the French Revolution, Courvoisier has come to be known as a unique, classy, and high-end brand. Founded in 1809, Courvoisier is one of France’s most exclusive and top cognac producers, rivalled by other cognac houses like Martell and Remy Martin. ShOP NOW Courvoisier: the story behind the brand The drink of choice for aristocrats, revolutionaries, and writers 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. 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.