Article
For Cognac, BNIC age classifications refer to the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend. XO, Extra and Hors d’Âge share a minimum threshold of 10 years, while brands may use different product names and blends; the name alo...
XO, Extra and Hors d’Âge are not three fixed, mutually exclusive legal age ladders. Start with the legal minimum threshold, then check the brand's own product page and the official name on the bottle.
BNIC minimum-age thresholds
| Label | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| VS | 2 years |
| VSOP | 4 years |
| XO | 10 years |
| Extra / Hors d’Âge | Like XO, these terms carry a minimum threshold of 10 years |
| XXO | 14 years |
Bottle and accessories
- Transcribe the brand, official product name, grade, volume, ABV and batch exactly as shown.
- Describe an ordinary glass bottle, decanter or ceramic vessel by its actual material; do not use “crystal bottle” as a generic term.
- Record the box, certificate, stopper components and booklet item by item.
Frequently asked questions about Cognac XO, Extra and Hors d’Âge
Is Hors d’Âge necessarily much older than XO?
No. The legal minimum does not establish the actual age of the youngest eau-de-vie beyond that threshold; check the brand's direct information.
Does “Extra” define a standard recipe?
No. It is an age designation, while the specific product and blend remain defined by the brand.
Primary sources and evidence levels
- Cognac statutory classification: BNIC direct source, supporting minimum thresholds and category relationships of 2/4/10/14 years.
Related resources on this site
- Spirits Collection
- Spirits and Cognac Appraisal Checks
- Louis XIII: Recording Decanter, Closure, Codes and Certificate Evidence
- 1980s Martell Cordon Bleu: Bottle Shape, Back Label and Packaging
- Buyback Guides
Organise the item using the fields in this article
To document a Cognac bottle, assign it a unique number and use it across photographs of the front, back, key markings, accessories and visible anomalies. You can send the details via WhatsApp, or call +852 9453 0784. Making contact does not mean that an appraisal or quotation has been completed.
Additional checks and stopping points
For grade comparisons, separate the statutory minimum threshold from official brand products. Use BNIC for the former and the bottle plus brand product page for the latter. Even though Extra, Hors d’Âge and XO share a minimum threshold, do not assume that their blends, actual ages or packaging are identical.
