Cognac aging tiers (regulated): VS (Very Special) — 2+ years, youngest. VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) — 4+ years, Sidecar standard. XO (Extra Old) — 10+ years, sipping or premium cocktails. Hors d'Age — older still, rare. Four major houses: Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Martell, Courvoisier. Pierre Ferrand and house pour cognacs are smaller producers we feature.