I like fine brandy. For years, my favorite cognac was Hennessy VSOP. But, ageing in the barrel is everything in Cognac (and Armagnac). The way it goes is: VS is two years in barrel, VSOP four years, XO is six years. Lately I've switched to Frapin Cognac VSOP. Their VSOP spends six years in barrel. and the extra age makes a big qualitative difference in their product.