The quick answer: all cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is cognac. Cognac is a grape brandy made only in the Cognac region of France, double-distilled in copper pot stills and aged in French oak. Its age codes are simple: VS = at least 2 years, VSOP = at least 4 years, XO = at least 10 years. At 5mara we stock brandy and cognac priced 4–139 JOD.
Cognac age statements explained
| Label | Stands for | Minimum age of the youngest brandy | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| VS | Very Special | 2 years | Fresh, fruity – great for mixing |
| VSOP | Very Superior Old Pale | 4 years | Rounder, vanilla and dried fruit |
| XO | Extra Old | 10 years (raised from 6) | Rich, complex, for sipping |
| XXO | Extra Extra Old | 14 years | Rare and very mature |
Cognac, armagnac and other brandies
- Cognac: mostly from the Ugni Blanc grape, double-distilled in copper pot stills and aged in French oak. The “big four” houses are Hennessy (founded in 1765 by Richard Hennessy), Martell, Rémy Martin and Courvoisier (based in Jarnac).
- Armagnac: from Gascony in south-west France, usually distilled once in a column still, giving a more rustic, full flavour – try Saint-Vivant Armagnac.
- Brandy from elsewhere: any spirit distilled from wine or fruit, such as KWV from South Africa, J.P. Chenet XO from France or Martin Haddad, a Jordanian brandy from the Haddad family.
Brandy and cognac prices in Jordan
| المنتج | الحجم | نسبة الكحول | السعر (د.أ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HENNESSY VS COGNAC 700ml | 700 ML | 40% | 80 |
| COURVOISIER VS COGNAC 70cl | 700 ML | 40% | 88 |
| Camus Elegance VS 70 cl | 700 ML | 40% | 65 |
| Hennessy VSOP Privilege Cognac (1L) | 1000 ML | 40% | 125 |
| Courvoisier V.S.O.P. (1L) | 1000 ML | 40% | 139 |
| SAINT-VIVANT Armagnac | 700 ML | — | 55 |
| KWV Premium 10 YO Brandy 75 cl | 750 ML | 40% | 39 |
| KWV Premium 3YO Brandy 75 cl | 750 ML | 40% | 25 |
| J.P Chenet XO Brandy | 750 ML | 40% | 27 |
| Grand Cavalier 70 cl | 700 ML | 40% | 27 |
| Martin Haddad Congac | 750 ML, 375 ML, 187 ML | 32% | 4–14 |
الأسعار والتوفر محدّثة تلقائياً من متجر خمارة 5mara بتاريخ 2026-10-08. Prices in JOD, updated automatically.
How to drink cognac and brandy
- Neat: a tulip-shaped glass at room temperature; warm it in your hand and add a drop of water to open the aromas – ideal for VSOP and XO.
- On the rocks: a VS over one large ice cube is refreshing in summer.
- With ginger ale: cognac and ginger ale with a lemon twist is a modern classic.
- Sidecar: cognac, triple sec and lemon juice, shaken and served in a sugar-rimmed glass.
Which one should you buy?
- Best value for mixing: KWV 3 Year Old, Grand Cavalier or Martin Haddad.
- Everyday cognac: Hennessy VS, Courvoisier VS or Camus VS.
- A gift that impresses: Hennessy VSOP Privilège or Courvoisier VSOP – see our gift guide.
Prefer Arabic? اقرأ الفرق بين الكونياك والبراندي بالعربية.
Sources: Decanter – Cognac ageing, Hennessy – Wikipedia, Courvoisier – Wikipedia.
Cognac & brandy FAQ
Is cognac the same as brandy?
Cognac is a type of brandy. Brandy can be made anywhere from wine or fruit, while cognac must come from the Cognac region of France and follow strict rules on grapes, distillation and ageing.
What does VSOP mean?
VSOP stands for Very Superior Old Pale; the youngest brandy in the blend has been aged at least four years in oak.
What is the difference between VS and XO?
VS is aged at least two years and is fresher and better for mixing, while XO is aged at least ten years and is richer and made for sipping.
How much is Hennessy in Jordan?
At 5mara, Hennessy VS costs 80 JOD and Hennessy VSOP Privilège (1 L) costs 125 JOD.
How should you drink cognac?
Sip VSOP and XO neat from a tulip glass at room temperature, perhaps with a drop of water; enjoy VS on the rocks, with ginger ale or in a Sidecar.
Order now from our brandy & cognac collection with 24/7 delivery in Amman.
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