Classification of cognac by aging: Western gradation and Soviet standard

What is the question

When buying cognac or brandy, you need to know about their classification by ageing period. Aging is a mandatory element in the cognac production chain, which largely determines the color, aroma and taste of the drink.

The French have come up with a simple classification that will allow you to quickly understand what kind of drink you are drinking.

Since cognac is most often a blended drink consisting of spirits of different ages, it should be borne in mind that its age is determined by the youngest spirit in the blend.

French classification

In France, there is a five-stage gradation of categories by aging, it is always indicated on the label.

1. V.S. (Very Special) - at least 2 years in an oak barrel.

   This category of cognacs is characterized by aromas of ripe fruit, vanilla, and floral nuances. It is worth starting your acquaintance with cognac from this category.

2. V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale), or Reserve - at least 4 years old.

   The fruit profile becomes more refined, with notes of dried fruit, chocolate and spices.

3. V.V.S.O.P. (Very Very Superior Old Pale) - aging 5 years.

   More dried fruits and spices appear in the aroma, the flavors of flowers become more elegant..

4. X.O. (Extra Old), as well as Extra, Napoleon, Royal, Tres Vieux, Vieille Reserve Braastad - at least 10 years from 2018 and at least 6 years if the cognac was produced before that time.

   The cognac becomes oily and full-bodied, rich in notes of exotic fruits and spices, and you can feel the rancio - a combination of aromas of cedar wood, tobacco, nuts.

5. X.X.O. (Extra Extra Old) - at least 14 years old, the category appeared only in 2018.

What is the difference between cognacs, for example, category V.S.O.P. from two different manufacturers?

Many factors influence the flavor and aroma characteristics of cognac:

1. Varietal composition of the drink, the ratio of different grape varieties.

2. Territory of grape growing.

3. Different features of barrel production.

4. Experience and skill of the "master of distillation".

Classification in Russia and the former Soviet Union

It should be clarified that Cognac is a protected designation of origin, and it belongs to France. Neither in Armenia nor in Russia can producers call their products cognac. In fact, it is illegal, but many people do it anyway.

Brandies from the post-Soviet space can be divided into two groups:

1. Ordinary - drinks with a maturation period of 3, 4 or 5 years.

2. Vintage - the age of brandy varies from 6 to 23 years.

Vintage brandies are divided into categories:

1. К.В. (Cognac Aged) - from 6 to 8 years.

2. К.В.В.К. (Cognac Aged of the highest quality) - from 8 to 10 years.

3. К.С. (Old Cognac) - 10 to 12 years old.

4. О.С. (Very Old) - from 12 to 23 years and longer.

When choosing a brandy, you should pay more attention not to the number of stars drawn, but to the composition, which always indicates the exact age of the blend.

Update: 23.06.2021

Category: Brandy and Cognac