Firstly, if you have never ever tasted a cognac or brandy, please don't waste your time reading on, as I will not be explaining what such drinks taste of - as not only is this difficult, but rather tiresome for the majority who already hold this information.
Courvoisier is a big name in cognac, churning out millions of gallons of the amber nectar each year. Brandy is unaged distilled wine, armagnac is brandy that has been aged for under three years, cognac brandy that has been aged for well over the aforementioned period. The aging process adds extra flavours, roundness, and pleasure to the drinking experience. The degrees of age for cognac, starting with the youngest is VS, VSOP, XO, followed by limited editions, e.g. Louis XIII.
To the occasional cognac drinker, it is not worth shelling out up to ten times the price of a younger bottle, unless they simply want to make an impression. The high price can only be truly appreciated by a regular cognac consumer. Any VSOP cognac will give a pleasant finish, Courvoisier is only marginally differnt compared to any other similar cognacs. The difference is much more apparent in the higher end bottles generally those well in excess of £100.
If at home, try and serve cognac in a very large balloon glass as this allows a large surface area to come into contact with the warmth from one's hands, bringing out the flavour of the cognac. If available use a small spirit burner to very gently warm the liqour, again bringing to the surface any notes that had hitherto been hidden.
Whatever you decide, cheap or expensive, cognac can always be enjoyed as a nightcap, or for use in cocktails. Avoid wasting top of the range cognac in all cocktails besides those involving champagne. A very simple drink it cognac:cointreau:fresh lemon juice 1:1:1, shake with ice, and strain into a short stemmed martini glass.
Cognac isn't just for old men smoking cigars!
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