Cognac Philbert VS - 70cl

A young cognac done properly. Philbert's Single Estate VS is drawn from the family's own land in the Champagne heartland of the region, blending Grande and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie — the two most sought-after crus — aged a minimum of two years in old French oak. That estate pedigree at a VS price is the whole appeal.

Where a lot of VS cognac tastes raw and one-note, Philbert's leans fresh and floral. Being family-grown and estate-made means the fruit character comes through clearly rather than being buffed away. It's bottled at 40%.

The colour is a bright amber, and the nose is exactly what you'd hope for from young Champagne cognac: peach, pear and a lift of vine flower. The palate is creamy and lightly spiced, with a citrus thread running through and just enough oak to give it shape. It's clean, lively and easy to like.

This is where VS earns its keep — characterful enough to sip, affordable enough to mix without guilt. Use it as your everyday cognac: a Sidecar, a Horse's Neck, or simply neat while you decide.

How to Serve

Neat in a tulip glass if you want to appreciate the fruit, or reach for it in cocktails — it makes a bright, floral Sidecar and a proper Horse's Neck with ginger ale.

Where to Drink It

Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood for a well-made Sidecar. American Bar at The Savoy for the classics. Swift in Soho for something a little more modern.

Food Pairings

Try it with a lemon tart — the citrus in both lifts the whole thing. Or pour it alongside a plate of soft, buttery cheeses.