Cognac's ladder is written on the label: VS means the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend aged at least two years, VSOP at least four, and XO at least ten — and the best houses age well past those minimums. At Del Mesa Liquor, our family-owned store in San Diego, California, the cognac collection runs from Hennessy VS at $49.99 to D'Usse XO at $159.99 — and every bottle below is in stock and available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
VS and VSOP: The Working Grades
Hennessy VS Cognac ($49.99) is the world's best-selling cognac for a reason: around 40 eaux-de-vie aged in French oak at 40% ABV (80 proof), from the house founded in 1765 — bold, fruity and built to run from neat pours to Sidecars and French 75s. D'Usse VSOP Cognac ($54.99) ages past its grade: VSOP legally requires four years, and D'Usse holds its eaux-de-vie at least four and a half years in the cellars of the Chateau de Cognac, blended by cellar master Michel Casavecchia from the house's humid and dry cellars. It is a VSOP made to sip, not just to mix. Compare the wider brandy shelf alongside them.
The Bottles in Stock
- Hennessy VS Cognac — $49.99. 750mL, 40% ABV (80 proof). Around 40 eaux-de-vie in French oak — the world's best-selling cognac.
- D'Usse VSOP Cognac — $54.99. 750mL, 40% ABV (80 proof). Aged at least 4.5 years at the Chateau de Cognac — past the four-year VSOP minimum.
- Remy Martin 1738 Accord Royal Cognac — $69.99. 750mL, 40% ABV (80 proof). Cognac Fine Champagne — Grande and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie only, distilled on the lees.
- Remy Martin Tercet Cognac — $109.99. 750mL, 42% ABV (84 proof). Fine Champagne, launched in 2019 by three of the house's artisans; carries no VS, VSOP or XO grade.
- D'Usse XO Cognac — $159.99. 750mL, 40% ABV (80 proof). Eaux-de-vie aged a minimum of ten years in French oak, hand-selected at the Chateau de Cognac.
Fine Champagne and the XO Tier
Remy Martin 1738 Accord Royal ($69.99) is named for 1738, when King Louis XV granted the young house the royal approval — the "Accord Royal" — to plant new vines. It is a Cognac Fine Champagne: only Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie, distilled on the lees and aged in large-grain French oak toasted medium-plus, for an exceptionally round, creamy pour. Remy Martin Tercet ($109.99), bottled at 42% ABV, was created in 2019 by the house's cellar master, wine master and master distiller together to spotlight a fresh, fruit-forward facet of the style. D'Usse XO ($159.99) closes the ladder: nothing in the blend is under ten years old. For the neighbouring French brandy tradition, read our Armagnac and aged brandy guide, check the FAQ page for shipping answers, or browse the blog index.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do VS, VSOP and XO mean on cognac?
They are minimum ages for the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend: VS (Very Special) is at least two years, VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) at least four years, and XO (Extra Old) at least ten years. Many houses age beyond the minimum — D'Usse VSOP, for example, is aged at least four and a half years.
What is Cognac Fine Champagne?
Fine Champagne is a blend of eaux-de-vie from Cognac's two top crus, Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, with at least half from Grande Champagne. Remy Martin 1738 Accord Royal and Remy Martin Tercet are both Fine Champagne cognacs.
What is the best cognac for cocktails?
Hennessy VS ($49.99) is the classic cocktail cognac — bold and fruity at 80 proof, it anchors Sidecars, French 75s and cognac highballs. D'Usse VSOP ($54.99) steps the same drinks up with a longer-aged, fuller blend.
Where can I buy cognac online?
Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, California stocks Hennessy VS, D'Usse VSOP and XO, and Remy Martin 1738 and Tercet, all available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping where permitted.