VS vs VSOP vs XO vs XXO brandy: what do these labels really mean?

If you’ve ever browsed a bottle of cognac, brandy or vinars (Romanian brandy) (if you want to learn more about the difference between cognac, brandy and vinars, checkout our previous blogpost) and noticed labels like VS, VSOP, XO or even XXO, you’re not alone in wondering what they actually mean. 

These abbreviations aren’t marketing fluff, they refer to specific ageing classifications that tell you how long the brandy has matured in oak barrels.

Understanding them can help you choose the right bottle, whether you’re sipping neat, mixing cocktails or buying a premium gift.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what VS, VSOP, XO and XXO mean, how they differ in flavour and price and which one is right for you.

What do brandy age classifications mean?

Most commonly seen on Cognac and high-quality European brandies, these terms refer to the age of the youngest eau-de-vie (wine or wine juice) in the blend. Brandy is often a blend of multiple barrels of different ages and the classification reflects the minimum ageing, not the average.

All ageing takes place in oak barrels, where the spirit slowly develops colour, smoothness and complexity.

VS (Very Special)

Minimum ageing: 2 years in oak barrels
Typical profile: Fresh, vibrant, fruit-forward
Best for: Cocktails and casual sipping

VS (Very Special) is the youngest widely sold classification. Because of its relatively short ageing time, VS brandy tends to be brighter and more energetic, with noticeable grape and fruit notes. It often has a sharper edge compared to older categories.

This makes VS ideal for mixing, think brandy and cola, sidecar cocktail or modern brandy cocktails. It’s also typically the most affordable entry point into quality brandy.

Choose VS if:

• You’re mixing drinks

• You want an affordable everyday brandy

• You prefer lighter, fruitier spirits

VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale)

Minimum ageing: 4 years in oak barrels
Typical profile: Balanced, smoother, lightly spiced
Best for: Versatile sipping and cocktails

VSOP brandy sits comfortably in the middle. With at least four years of ageing, it develops more rounded flavours and a noticeably smoother mouthfeel compared to VS. Expect notes like vanilla, dried fruit, light spice and gentle oak.

VSOP is incredibly versatile. It is refined enough to sip neat but still accessible enough for elevated cocktails. Many brandy enthusiasts consider this the best balance between price and complexity.

Choose VSOP if:

• You want something smoother than VS

• You enjoy sipping but still mix occasionally

• You’re looking for a step-up bottle without a luxury price tag

XO (Extra Old)

Minimum ageing: 10 years in oak barrels (Cognac standard since 2018)
Typical profile: Rich, complex, layered
Best for: Slow sipping and special occasions

XO (Extra Old) represents a major jump in depth and refinement. In Cognac, the minimum ageing was increased from 6 to 10 years in 2018, making modern XO expressions significantly more mature than older bottling.

With extended time in oak, XO brandies develop deeper colour and complex flavour layers. Expect notes of caramel, chocolate, nuts, tobacco, dried fig and warm spice. The texture is typically velvety and smooth.

XO is usually meant to be savoured neat, in a tulip glass, where its aromas can fully open up.

Choose XO if:

• You enjoy premium sipping spirits

• You’re buying a gift

• You want complexity and smoothness over freshness

XXO (Extra Extra Old)

Minimum ageing: 14 years in oak barrels (official Cognac category since 2018)
Typical profile: Ultra-refined, deeply complex
Best for: Collectors and luxury experiences

XXO is a relatively new official classification introduced by the Cognac authorities in 2018. It represents an even older minimum age than XO and is positioned firmly in the luxury tier.

These brandies are often made using much older eaux-de-vie than the minimum requirement, resulting in exceptionally deep and refined profiles. Expect intense rancio notes (a prized aged aroma), dried fruits, leather, spice and long, evolving finishes.

XXO bottles are usually limited, premium-priced and aimed at collectors or serious enthusiasts.

Choose XXO if:

• You want the pinnacle of aged brandy

• You’re collecting or gifting something rare

• You appreciate ultra-complex spirits

Quick comparison table

Classification	Minimum age	Smoothness	Best use
VS	2 years	Light	Cocktails, casual drinking
VSOP	4 years	Medium	Versatile sipping & mixing
XO	10 years	Very smooth	Premium sipping
XXO	14+ years	Ultra smooth	Luxury & collectors

Understanding VS, VSOP, XO and XXO classifications makes it much easier to choose the right brandy for your needs. These labels act as a simple guide to ageing, flavour intensity and price tier, from vibrant and mixable to rich and luxurious.

Whether you’re exploring brandy for the first time or upgrading your home bar, knowing what these terms mean ensures you’ll always pick a bottle that matches the experience you’re after.

If you’re looking to explore quality European brandies, consider starting with a versatile VSOP, then working your way up to XO when you’re ready for something truly special.

You are welcome to browse through our own collection of high quality brandies here.