Courvoisier is a brand of cognac that has been around since the early 19th century. The company's founder, Emmanuel Courvoisier, was born in Jarnac, France in 1789. Courvoisier cognacs are made from grapes grown in the Cognac region of France. The brand produces a variety of cognacs, including VS, VSOP, and XO. Courvoisier also offers a line of liqueurs and aperitifs.
Courvoisier's most iconic product is its Courvoisier VS cognac. This cognac is aged for at least two years in French oak barrels. The resulting spirit is smooth and complex, with notes of vanilla, citrus, and oak. Courvoisier recommends enjoying its VS cognac neat, on the rocks, or with a splash of water.
Courvoisier's cognacs are enjoyed by celebrities and everyday drinkers alike. In 2008, Courvoisier partnered with rapper Jay-Z to launch a limited edition cognac called "D'Ussé." This cognac was inspired by a centuries-old recipe from the Courvoisier family archives. D'Ussé is aged for at least four years in French oak barrels and has notes of vanilla, honey, and oak.
Courvoisier also offers a line of liqueurs and aperitifs. The brand's most popular liqueur is Courvoisier Exclusif, a blend of Courvoisier cognac and Grand Marnier liqueur. Courvoisier Exclusif is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
The brand's aperitifs include Courvoisier Apéritif and Courvoisier Rosé. Both of these drinks are made with Courvoisier cognac and are perfect for enjoying before a meal.
Courvoisier counts itself among the truly revered Cognac brands, possessing a classic range of spirits and an incredible, unique heritage. A favourite in France for centuries, its list of honours and achievements not only includes the ‘Medaille d’Or’, an international prize of great acclaim, but one of France’s greatest awards, the ‘Prestige de la France’. Courvoisier has the distinction of being the only Cognac producers to have ever received it. The legendary producers of Cognac can even boast an invitation to the opening celebrations for the Eiffel Tower in 1889.
Courvoisier’s rich history has numerous facets and, inevitably, a string of famous admirers. The brand held the dubious distinction of being dubbed the ‘Cognac of Napoleon’; because Napoleon Bonaparte held Courvoisier above all other Cognac, hundreds of bottles accompanied him in his exile. A stash of 216 bottles was even discovered in Charles Dickens’ possession when he died. Its historical popularity has persisted, and Courvoisier remains renowned amongst the most prominent in society, as its status within the modern hip-hop community (in which I’m also a pretty big deal) demonstrates, particularly after Busta Rhymes' had a hit song with ‘Pass The Courvoisier Part II’ in 2001.
Yet, even with all this success, alcohol is still only ever as good as the means by which it’s made. Courvoisier have always understood the necessity to establish a thorough, caring distillation process and combine it with locally sourced ingredients of the highest quality. The region of Cognac is known for its six ‘crus’, but Courvoisier will only work exclusively with four: the Borderies, the Fins Bois, the Grande Champagne and the Petite Champagne. Courvoisier are not just strict with regards to the strain of grape that can be used, but are also very specific with who they are willing to work with, and have gone to great lengths to cultivate a cooperative and close relationship with over 800 vine growers for its grapes.
The crafting technique it uses was established in Paris in the early 1800s, and today Courvoisier religiously follows that strict procedure. The product is double-distilled in traditional, Charentais alembic pot stills, of which there are only ever 25 in use, and distillation can only take place from November to March, 24 hours a day. Only after this incredibly precise and loving undertaking is the final product ready to be separated into three parts: the ‘head’, the ‘heart’ and the ‘tails’. From this stage, only the pure, clear liquid from the ‘heart’ is used for maturation. Maturation occurs in 200-year old, handmade, oak barrels, chosen by the master blender with great care and focus. Courvoisier is rightly acknowledged for being the only Cognac house to control the entire process from grape to the glass, and the spirit they create shows.
Courvoisier has broken and set a stunning number of records in its relentless pursuit to be counted among the pioneers of Cognac. The considered and passionate approach has propelled Courvoisier to become one of the world's most famous Cognac brands, with best selling editions, VS, VSOP and XO, proudly gracing its repertoire. All of them, and more, can be purchased right here.