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Top 4 Comparison

Head-to-head comparison

Hennessy, Remy Martin & Co.

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.

Head-to-head VS Cognacs

Hennessy VS

Customer rating:
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 VS

Remy Martin does not currently offer an VS Cognac.

Martell VS

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.

Courvoisier VS

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.

VS Cognac

Cognac Expert's Choice

Reason for choosing

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.

Martell VS Cognac

Head-to-head VSOP Cognacs

Hennessy VSOP

Customer rating:
70 / 100 points

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.

Remy Martin VSOP

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.

Martell VSOP

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.

Courvoisier VSOP

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.

VSOP Cognac

Cognac Expert's Choice

Reason for choosing

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!

Remy Martin VSOP

Head-to-head XO Cognacs

Hennessy XO

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.

Remy Martin XO

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.

Martell XO

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.

Courvoisier XO

$ 212 $ 178
incl. duty, tariff, clearance excl. shipping

Customer rating:
82 / 100 points

ABV:
40% alc.

Age:
Typically aged between 20-35 years

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.

XO Cognac

Cognac Expert's Choice

Reason for choosing

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.

Martell XO Cognac

Head-to-head XXO Cognacs

Hennessy XXO

$ 1,059
incl. duty, tariff, clearance excl. shipping

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 XXO

Remy Martin does not currently offer an XXO Cognac.

Martell XXO

$ 579
incl. duty, tariff, clearance excl. shipping

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 XXO

Courvoisier does not currently offer an XXO Cognac.

XXO Cognac

Cognac Expert's Choice

Reason for choosing

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!

Hennessy XXO Cognac
$ 1,059
incl. duty, tariff, clearance excl. shipping

Per category

Cognac Expert's Favorites

Martell VS

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.

Remy Martin VSOP

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.

Martell XO

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.

Hennessy XXO

$ 1,059
incl. duty, tariff, clearance excl. shipping

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.

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