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This comparison maps Hennessy X.O, Martell Cordon Bleu and Rémy Martin VSOP to three distinct official expressions. Separate their classifications and identities before comparing bottle shapes or accessories.
Brand names are not expressions. X.O, Cordon Bleu and VSOP also belong to different legal or proprietary classifications, so these three bottles should not be ranked as though their grades were equivalent.
Three specific expressions
| Brand | Expression | Checks |
|---|---|---|
| Hennessy | Hennessy X.O | Official X.O expression, bottle size, ABV and box |
| Martell | Martell Cordon Bleu | Cordon Bleu name, bottle shape, back label and box |
| Rémy Martin | Rémy Martin VSOP | Official VSOP expression, bottle size, ABV and box |
Do not conflate the classifications
Under BNIC rules, the age category is based on the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend: VS must be at least 2 years old, VSOP at least 4 years old and XO at least 10 years old. A proprietary expression must still be checked against its producer’s information and the label on the bottle.
- Compare like-for-like classifications before comparing bottle shapes.
- Record the outer box, booklet and gifts separately; do not use “original” as a catch-all description.
- If a historic bottle shape is absent from the current official page, leave its period pending confirmation from contemporary evidence.
Frequently asked questions about Hennessy, Martell and Rémy Martin
Is Cordon Bleu the same as XO?
That cannot be concluded from a Chinese-market nickname alone. Record the official expression, the classification shown on the label and the producer’s information.
Can VSOP and XO be compared directly by age?
No. Their statutory minimum maturation periods differ, and the actual age of a blend is not the same as the minimum threshold for its label category.
Primary sources and evidence levels
- Statutory Cognac classifications: this direct BNIC source supports the minimum maturation periods for VS, VSOP and XO.
- Hennessy X.O: direct expression page from the brand.
- Martell range: direct range page from the brand.
- Rémy Martin VSOP: direct expression page from the brand.
Related resources on this site
- Spirits Collection
- Spirits and Cognac Appraisal Checks
- Older Hennessy and Martell: Bottle Shape, Era and Volume
- Hennessy, Rémy Martin and Martell: Brand, Grade and Bottle Differences
- Buyback Guides
Organise the item using the fields in this article
To document any of these three expressions, assign one item number to every photograph and retain views 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.
