$ 80
Customer rating:
There is no denying that the Big 4 Cognac houses – Hennessy, Remy Martin, Martell, and Courvoisier – are the Cognac region’s very own locomotives, increasing the presence and visibility of our beloved spirit, Cognac, around the world. So let’s celebrate these Big 4 brands through an in-depth comparison of the iconic Cognacs they produce. These Cognac brands have not only shaped the heritage of Cognac but continue to define its future with their exceptional creations in every age category – VS, VSOP, and XO. Here, we unveil the intricate layers of craftsmanship and tradition that set each brand apart, while also weaving the common threads of excellence and passion that unite them.
Dive into our comprehensive guide where we explore each brand’s unique journey from grape to glass. Our detailed comparisons provide an unparalleled insight into the subtleties and distinct profiles of each Cognac, ensuring that connoisseurs and newcomers alike can appreciate the depth and diversity of these exceptional spirits. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding or seeking to discover your next favorite bottle, this is your gateway to the extraordinary world of the Big 4 Cognac brands.
66 / 100 points
ABV:
40% alc.
Age:
Up to 8 Years Old
Cru:
Blend from various crus
Barrel type:
French oak
Distillation:
Fine lees
Cellar conditions:
Varied, humid & dry cellars
Additional notes:
Hennessy VS is known for its bold and vibrant flavor, with notes of oak, vanilla, and toasted almonds.
Remy Martin does not currently offer an VS Cognac.
Customer rating:
83 / 100 points
ABV:
40% alc.
Age:
Not specified, typically younger eaux-de-vie
Cru:
Mainly from Fins Bois
Barrel type:
French oak
Distillation:
Without lees
Cellar conditions:
Traditional cellars, specific conditions not detailed
Additional notes:
Martell VS is characterized by its smooth and fruity flavor, with hints of plum, apricot, and lemon zest.
Customer rating:
No ratings
ABV:
40% alc.
Age:
Typically aged between 2-8 years
Cru:
Predominantly from Fins Bois and Petite Champagne
Barrel type:
Limousin & Tronçais oak barrels
Distillation:
With & without lees
Cellar conditions:
Varied, humid & dry cellars
Additional notes:
Courvoisier VS offers a delicate and smooth profile, with a harmony of fruity, floral, and subtle oak notes.
We particularly enjoy the smooth and fruity flavor profile of the Martell VS, distinct from other big brand VS Cognacs. The no lees distillation gives a Cognac that is refined, supple and subtly complex.
ABV:
40% alc.
Age:
4 – 15 years
Cru:
Blend from various crus, mainly Grande and Petite Champagne
Barrel type:
French oak
Distillation:
Fine lees
Cellar conditions:
Varied, humid & dry cellars
Additional notes:
Hennessy VSOP is known for its well-balanced and harmonious blend, with notes of fruit, vanilla, and spices.
Only available in the US.
Customer rating:
83 / 100 points
ABV:
40% alc.
Age:
4 – 12 years
Cru:
Fine Champagne (at least 50% Grande Champagne)
Barrel type:
French Limousin oak
Distillation:
With lees
Cellar conditions:
Specific conditions not detailed
Additional notes:
Remy Martin VSOP is famous for its smooth texture and balanced taste, highlighting floral and fruity notes, particularly apricot and peach.
Customer rating:
No ratings
ABV:
40% alc.
Age:
Not specified, minimum 4 year aging
Cru:
Primarily from Borderies
Barrel type:
French oak
Distillation:
Without lees
Cellar conditions:
Traditional cellars, specific conditions not detailed
Additional notes:
Martell VSOP has a unique profile, distinguished by its smoothness and rich fruit flavors, often with a hint of sweet spices.
Customer rating:
60 / 100 points
ABV:
40% alc.
Age:
Typically aged between 8-12 years
Cru:
Mainly from Grande and Petite Champagne
Barrel type:
Limousin oak barrels
Distillation:
With & without lees
Cellar conditions:
Varied, humid & dry cellars
Additional notes:
Courvoisier VSOP is celebrated for its elegance and complexity, offering a delicate blend of floral, fruit, and spice aromas.
Remy Martin VSOP is a Fine Champagne with a nice balance of ripe fruit and softly spicy oak flavors. While not a mature Cognac, it has some of the markers of a Cognac that is on its way to maturity – and we love that!
Customer rating:
67 / 100 points
ABV:
40% alc.
Age:
10 – 30 years
Cru:
Blend from various crus, including Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, and Borderies
Barrel type:
French oak
Distillation:
Fine lees
Cellar conditions:
Varied, humid & dry cellars
Additional notes:
Hennessy XO is distinguished by its rich, full-bodied flavor profile, with a complex blend of spicy, fruity, and woody notes.
Customer rating:
78 / 100 points
ABV:
40% alc.
Age:
10 – 37 years
Cru:
Fine Champagne (85% Grande Champagne, 15% Petite Champagne)
Barrel type:
French Limousin oak
Distillation:
With lees
Cellar conditions:
Specific conditions not detailed
Additional notes:
Remy Martin XO is celebrated for its luxurious texture and a wide range of flavors, from juicy fruits to subtle floral and spicy notes.
Customer rating:
82 / 100 points
ABV:
40% alc.
Age:
Not specified, includes very old eaux-de-vie
Cru:
Blend of crus, with a significant portion from Borderies
Barrel type:
French oak
Distillation:
Without lees
Cellar conditions:
Traditional cellars, specific conditions not detailed
Additional notes:
Martell XO stands out for its elegance and balance, featuring a mix of spicy, fruity, and floral notes with a distinctive smoothness.
Customer rating:
82 / 100 points
ABV:
40% alc.
Cru:
Mainly from Grande Champagne and Borderies
Barrel type:
Limousin and Tronçais oak barrels
Distillation:
With & without lees
Cellar conditions:
Varied, humid & dry cellars
Additional notes:
Courvoisier XO offers a deep and harmonious blend, characterized by its delicate bouquet of fruit, flowers, and subtle spices.
Martell XO Cognac for us really gives a glimpse of what mature Cognac can and should be, offering a rather opulent mouthfeel and deeply complex flavor profile that made it stand out among its competitors.
Customer rating:
89 / 100 points
ABV:
40% alc.
Age:
14+ years
Cru:
Blend from various crus, primarily Grande Champagne
Barrel type:
French oak
Distillation:
Fine lees
Cellar conditions:
Varied, humid & dry cellars
Additional notes:
Hennessy XXO is a relatively new category, featuring an even more aged and complex blend than XO, with deep and rich flavors.
Remy Martin does not currently offer an XXO Cognac.
Customer rating:
85 / 100 points
ABV:
40% alc.
Age:
Not specified, but includes very old eaux-de-vie, 14 year minimum
Cru:
Blend of crus, emphasis on Borderies
Barrel type:
French oak
Distillation:
Without lees
Cellar conditions:
Traditional cellars, specific conditions not detailed
Additional notes:
Martell XXO offers a unique blend of very old eaux-de-vie, providing a complex and profound tasting experience.
Courvoisier does not currently offer an XXO Cognac.
This is the Top 4 XXO that all others are measured against, and we can see why. Both the presentation of the bottle and the Cognac inside make it to see why. Savor this one!
Customer rating:
83 / 100 points
ABV:
40% alc.
Age:
Not specified, typically younger eaux-de-vie
Cru:
Mainly from Fins Bois, but other crus represented
Barrel type:
French oak
Distillation:
Without lees
Cellar conditions:
Traditional cellars, specific conditions not detailed
Additional notes:
Martell VS is characterized by its smooth and fruity flavor, with hints of plum, apricot, and lemon zest.
Learn more about the Martell VS Cognac.
Customer rating:
83 / 100 points
ABV:
40% alc.
Age:
4 – 12 years old
Cru:
Fine Champagne (at least 50% Grande Champagne)
Barrel type:
French Limousin oak
Distillation:
With lees
Cellar conditions:
Specific conditions not detailed
Additional notes:
Remy Martin VSOP is famous for its smooth texture and balanced taste, highlighting floral and fruity notes, particularly apricot and peach.
Learn more about the Remy Martin VSOP Cognac.
Customer rating:
82 / 100 points
ABV:
40% alc.
Age:
Not specified, includes very old eaux-de-vie
Cru:
Blend of crus, with a significant portion from Borderies
Barrel type:
French oak
Distillation:
Without lees
Cellar conditions:
Traditional cellars, specific conditions not detailed
Additional notes:
Martell XO stands out for its elegance and balance, featuring a mix of spicy, fruity, and floral notes with a distinctive smoothness.
Learn more about the Martell XO Cognac.
Customer rating:
89 / 100 points
ABV:
40% alc.
Age:
14+ years
Cru:
Blend from various crus, primarily Grande Champagne
Barrel type:
French oak
Distillation:
Fine lees
Cellar conditions:
Varied, humid & dry cellars
Additional notes:
Hennessy XXO is a relatively new category, featuring an even more aged and complex blend than XO, with deep and rich flavors.
Learn more about the Hennessy XXO Cognac.
