But why Courvoisier?  Well because it’s incredibly smooth and tastes delicious. But don’t just take my word for it – it’s graced the tables of European Royal households for years, and was specifically requested for the grand opening of the Eiffel Tower.

 

They say that when bad things happen good things follow. Perhaps the opening of the Courvoisier company in 1809, in the wake of the bloody French revolution is a great example. Its reputation rose so rapidly that Emperor Napoleon visited the distillery and requested the cognac as his special luxury when he was exiled to St Helena.

 

As you twist that stopper and watch the splash of gold whilst you pour a generous measure into a fine cut glass, take it to a comfortable seat by a cosy log fire and swirl the glass, smell the heavenly aroma whilst warming the liquor in your hands, anticipate that moment when you will bring it to your lips and finally sip pure luxury – do you really know what you’re holding? Why it tastes so, so good?

 

Well the Courvoisier distillery now combines the best of both old and modern methodologies in its relentless pursuit of excellence and in 1983 became the only cognac house in France to receive the ‘Prestige de la France’, the highest accolade for quality.

 

But what does VSOP mean? Does it matter? Well, yes – cognac has different quality grades:

• V.S. (Very Special) or ✯✯✯ (three stars): a blend of brandies, each having been stored in a cask for at least two years.
• V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale) or Reserve: the brandies been in the cask for at least four years.
• XO (Extra Old) or Napoléon: currently means at least six years in the cask.

The prolonged storage is one reason for the wonderful smoothness of a good cognac.

 

As a doctor I cannot recommend excessive drinking of alcohol, but I’m a firm believer that a little of what you fancy probably doesn’t do much harm.  So if you’re going to indulge, make it something worthwhile – Courvoisier VSOP for me please.

 

Available from Morrisons, Sainsburys and Asda.

 

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

 

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.