Updated June 2026.
There is no official best cognac in the world. BNIC grades are age floors — VS at least 2 years, VSOP 4, XO 10 since 2018, XXO 14 — not a tasting crown. Cognac is bottled at 40% or more. Typical US bottles print 40% Hennessy V.S has printed 40% in the official title this project. A 1.5-ounce pour at 40% is one NIAAA drink.
Related: Hennessy line, XO cognac, expensive cognac.
Grade vs pour
| Language | 1.5 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Cognac floor | 1.00 at 40% |
| VS / VSOP / XO / XXO | — |
| Hennessy V.S | 1.00 |
| Typical US bottle | 1.00 |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Four pours are four drinks. Pour math: Hennessy drinks.
Sources
- BNIC age grades. hennessy.com V.S 40% title prior this project. Typical US 40%.
- 27 CFR 5.145. NIAAA December 2025.
- BNIC / 27 CFR 5.145 ≥40%