In Skyfall, the Courvoisier VSOP is the drink of the people at the top of MI6, not of its field agents. Gareth Mallory pours a glass for himself and M in his office, and M later pours one at home. It is a quiet, grown-up choice, and the Courvoisier VSOP from Skyfall is a good bottle to keep for the end of a long dinner.
Owning it now
Courvoisier describes the VSOP as a blend of four crus: Borderies, Petite Champagne, Grande Champagne and Fins Bois, aged for up to twelve years. The house points to late stone fruit, jasmine and gingerbread, with a silky finish. Retailers add notes of vanilla, oak and a little nutmeg.
We would pour it neat in a small tulip glass, or over a single large cube, and keep the mixing for the Sidecar, where its balance is well suited to the drink. At 40% ABV it is gentle enough to sip slowly. Courvoisier suggests Brie alongside it, which we would second. More drinks from the films are in Food and Drink, and the rest of the film is on the Skyfall page.
Specifications
| Maker | Courvoisier, Cognac, France |
|---|---|
| Grade | VSOP |
| Blend | Four crus: Borderies, Petite Champagne, Grande Champagne, Fins Bois |
| Age | Up to 12 years |
| Strength | 40% ABV |
| Size | 750ml |
| Price | About US$45 to US$50 at US retailers (at the time of writing, October 2026) |
Full tasting notes are on Courvoisier’s own page.
