There are four, big, and readily available cognac producers sold in the USA. Those are: Martell, Courvoisier, Remy Martin, and Hennessy. And of those four I have sampled the VS and VSOP varietals. Here are my thoughts.
Martell is what I call a “swirler”. When first poured, this cognac punches you in the mouth. The aroma is so hot, it stings the nostrils. When first drank, it burns all the way down. I call it “rot gut” cognac because it does give me a bit of temporary heart burn. Of the four brands, it’s the least sweet and the hottest and most pungent. This cognac forces you to drink it slow. I have tried both the VS and VSOP varieties. The VSOP is slightly mellower than the VS. The flavor profiles between the two are quite similar, it’s hard to tell the difference between the two. My nose and palate detect what I guess I might call oak. After frequent swirling and waiting this cognac mellows appreciably making it more drinkable. The bottle of VS that I bought I did not enjoy, and practically forced myself to finish. The flask of VSOP that I have on my desk will probably sit there until I have nothing else to drink.
Courvoisier is the sweetest and thickest. I have only tried the VS, and I have bought and finished two bottles. It’s more syrupy than the other cognacs. I enjoyed a bottle warmed by the campfire and it was quite nice. I would like to try a bottle of VSOP which is $42 at my BevMo.
Remy Martin VSOP is the cognac that I have consumed the most of. This is mainly because of its $32 price at Costco. This year alone I have drunk at least 10 bottles. It is very citrusy and with a bit of pine. It’s also a bit hot and a bit of a swirler. Hints of dark chocolate and plum. Of the four brands, Remy is my most likely XO purchase this Christmas. The 1738 bottle of Remy is mellower and has more vanilla. I’m not interested in trying the VS.
Hennessy, I’m ashamed to say, is my favorite VSOP. The Privelege VSOP is sooo smooth and mellow. Not thick or syrupy. Not oaky or hot. Not a swirler. Fruity, hints of raspberry. If I wanted to introduce someone to cognac, I would offer Hennessy Privilege VSOP. The VS on the other hand, tastes peppery and hot to me. There is a drastic difference between the VS and the VSOP of Hennessy, unlike Martell VS and VSOP. I would like to buy another bottle of VS to consume and confirm my opinion. And of course, to have another bottle in my collection.
Cognacs I would like to buy and try: Camus, Hardy, Hine, Meukow, Landy.