VS, VSOP, XO (age statements)

For cognac, VS, VSOP and XO indicate minimum ageing times in oak casks. VS (Very Special) ages at least two years, VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) at least four years and XO (Extra Old) at least ten years. The youngest eau-de-vie in the blend counts.

Armagnac, Calvados and other brandies use similar abbreviations, but minimum ages can differ. Age says nothing reliable about taste, since cask choice and blending also play a role.