Courvoisier VS 700ml Cognac

Overall (78)

Courvoisier VS is a pretty solid entry-level cognac, especially when you keep in mind that prestige isn't what's in the glass.

Aroma

The nose lands right in the orchard for me, with apple and pear upfront, plus just a little vanilla sweetness riding along. There's some caramel if you let it sit, though nothing too heavy or syrupy. Maybe a faint floral edge if you really look for it, mostly it's about the fruit.

Taste

The taste is straightforward but pleasant: more apple and pear, with vanilla and honey giving some roundness. The oak is present but doesn't overwhelm, which I appreciate, sometimes VS can go too woody but this one pulls back just enough. Not wildly complex, but it feels balanced enough for what it is.

Finish

Finish is on the short side, which honestly doesn't surprise me here

Overall (78)

Look, nobody buys a standard VS expecting a life-changing epiphany in a crystal glass. Courvoisier VS is basically an honest party workhorse the kind of bottle you grab when you want something better than mystery-shelf brandy, but you still plan on throwing ice or mixers into it.

Aroma

First sniff hits you with a decent punch of alcohol, so give it a second unless you want your nose hairs toasted. Once that settles down, you get fresh green apples, sweet pears, a bit of honey, and some light floral notes, like walking through an orchard in early spring.

Taste

It kicks off pretty sweet with vanilla, caramel, and a juicy blast of grapes. Then the oak kicks the door open, bringing in a little pepper and rough lemon peel that reminds you this stuff is fairly young and has plenty of bite to it.

Finish

Pretty short and blunt it does its job and leaves the room. You get some dry woody bitterness, a faint touch of raisins, and a noticeable burning sensation going down your throat.