VS , an abbreviation for “very special,” is a common age designation for young cognac and other brandies. For a cognac to be labeled VS (or, alternatively, ***), the youngest eau-de-vie component in the blend must have matured in oak casks for at least two years. Brandy from France’s Armagnac region bearing the VS designation must age in oak for at least one year. While brandies produced in the United States may use the VS designation, there is no legally required minimum aging period.
See also cognac and three star.
Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac. L’encyclopédie du Cognac. http://www.pediacognac.com (accessed March 15, 2021).
By: David Mahoney