Article
Hennessy, Martell and Rémy Martin: examples of specific expressions in each brand’s official range, with guidance on keeping designation, expression name and bottle shape in separate fields.
A useful list of common cognacs must go beyond the names of three brands. Hennessy V.S, V.S.O.P and X.O; Martell VSOP, Cordon Bleu and XO; and Rémy Martin VSOP and XO are specific expressions found in the brands’ official ranges. Each bottle still requires its volume, ABV, labels and packaging version to be recorded.
Examples of expressions suitable for the inventory
| Brand | Entry or core expressions | Prestige or special expressions | Item fields that must not be omitted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hennessy | V.S, V.S.O.P, X.O | Paradis, Richard Hennessy | Official name, volume, ABV, front and back labels, bottle base and box |
| Martell | VS, VSOP, Noblige, Cordon Bleu, XO | Chanteloup XXO, L’Or de Jean Martell | The swift emblem, Cordon Bleu name, cap, bottle and outer box |
| Rémy Martin | VSOP, XO | Create separate prestige entries using the formal names on the bottles | Fine Champagne wording, volume, 40% vol, closure and presentation packaging |
Use bottle shape only as a version index
- Hennessy X.O, Martell Cordon Bleu and Martell XO have different silhouettes, but earlier and limited editions still require dated brand information.
- After an expression is repackaged, its old and new boxes, travel-retail volumes or regional labels may differ. Do not let an online image override the wording on the item.
- BNIC rules for VS, VSOP and XO support the minimum requirements of each category; they do not replace a brand’s description of an individual version.
Hennessy, Martell and Rémy Martin: frequently asked questions about common cognac expressions and bottle shapes
All three brands offer an XO. Does that mean their contents are the same?
No. XO reflects only the legal minimum age category of the youngest eau-de-vie; each brand has its own blend, bottle shape and accessories.
Should Martell Cordon Bleu be entered under brand or designation?
Enter it in the official-expression field. If the bottle also carries XO or another designation, transcribe that wording separately in the designation field.
Can the period of a bottle shape be determined from a front photograph alone?
Usually not. Also check the back label, bottle base, volume, ABV, closure, presentation packaging and purchase records.
Primary sources and evidence levels
- Official Cognac labelling and age categories: supports the framework for VS, VSOP and XO.
- Official Hennessy range: supports specific expression names within the brand.
- Official Martell range: supports names including Cordon Bleu, XO and L’Or.
- Official Rémy Martin VSOP page: supports the formal product information for VSOP.
Related resources on this site
- Spirits Collection
- Spirits and Cognac Appraisal Checks
- Hennessy, Rémy Martin and Martell: Brand, Grade and Bottle Differences
- Older Louis XIII Red Box vs Current Records: Decanter, Codes and Certificate
- Buyback Guides
Organise the item using the fields in this article
To document items covered by “Hennessy, Martell and Rémy Martin: Common Cognac Expressions and Bottle Shapes”, first make sure every photograph carries the same item identifier, and retain views of the front and back, key markings, accessories and visible anomalies. You may send the details via WhatsApp, or call +852 9453 0784; making contact does not mean that an appraisal or quotation has been completed.
