Park VS Cognac 750ML is a small-batch French Cognac bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml format, produced by the family-owned Distillerie Tessendier. As one of the original craft Cognac houses, Tessendier has been quietly outperforming much larger producers since 1880, and this VS expression demonstrates why the brand has earned recognition alongside names like Rémy Martin and Martell. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Jarnac, Cognac, France | VS (minimum 2-year age statement) | Distillery: Distillerie Tessendier (est. 1880) Production & Heritage Distillerie Tessendier has remained in the same family for four generations, operating out of Jarnac in the heart of the Cognac appellation. Park VS is a 50/50 blend of eaux-de-vie distilled from 100% Ugni Blanc grapes sourced from two distinct crus: Fins Bois and Petite Champagne. The spirit undergoes traditional double distillation in copper pot stills before aging first in new, lightly toasted French oak barrels for six months, then transferring to seasoned used casks for an additional period of up to several years. This two-stage maturation—uncommon at the VS level—builds complexity while preserving the bright fruit character of the base spirit. Tessendier pioneered the concept of "made to measure" Cognacs, producing in genuinely limited small batches rather than at industrial scale. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with dried spring flowers, linden blossom, and mint before giving way to caramelized apple, peach, and candied orange. Subtle accents of star anise and clove emerge with time in the glass. Taste: The entry is gentle and slightly saline, an unexpected and welcome textural element. Mid-palate, ripe apricot, fermented Asian pear, and bright citrus oils develop alongside notes of caramel and honeysuckle. A thread of chamomile and lychee adds an aromatic, almost floral dimension that keeps the palate lively. Finish: Medium-long with a subtly tannic grip, giving the finish structure uncommon in many VS Cognacs. Nectarine and candied orange rind linger, trailing off with hints of pink peppercorn and ginger. How to Drink Park VS Neat or over a single large ice cube is the simplest way to appreciate the dual-cru blend and its layered fruit character. That said, the 40% ABV and bright citrus-forward profile make Park VS a strong cocktail base. A Sidecar benefits from the candied orange and apricot notes, which marry naturally with Cointreau and lemon. A French 75 gains depth from the floral aromatics and gentle spice. A Cognac Old Fashioned allows the caramelized apple and pear notes to shine against a backdrop of bitters and sugar. Best For Introducing a whiskey drinker to quality Cognac Building a home bar with a versatile, cocktail-ready brandy Gifting a spirits enthusiast who values artisan producers over household names After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or cheese Frequently Asked Questions What does Park VS taste like? Park VS delivers ripe stone fruit—particularly apricot and peach—alongside caramelized apple, citrus oils, and a lightly peppered finish. It is notably floral and delicate for a VS-level Cognac, with a gentle saline quality on the palate. How does Park VS compare to Hennessy VS? Park VS is produced in much smaller batches using a 50/50 Fins Bois and Petite Champagne blend, while Hennessy VS draws from a broader mix of crus and is assembled at industrial volume. The result is a more delicate, fruit-forward profile in the Park compared to Hennessy's fuller, more oak-driven character. Is Park VS good for cocktails? Yes—the bright citrus and stone fruit notes at 40% ABV integrate cleanly into classic Cognac cocktails like the Sidecar, French 75, and Cognac Old Fashioned without being lost behind other ingredients. Where is Park VS made? Park VS is produced by Distillerie Tessendier in Jarnac, a town in the Cognac production region of southwestern France. The eaux-de-vie are sourced from the Fins Bois and Petite Champagne crus within the Cognac appellation. What foods pair well with Park VS? Aged Comté cheese highlights the caramel and fruit notes. Tarte Tatin or apple galette mirrors the caramelized apple on the nose. Roasted duck with stone fruit glaze complements the apricot and peach character. Dark chocolate with orange peel echoes the candied citrus on the finish. Charcuterie with dried fruits works well against the saline mid-palate. What sizes does Park VS come in? Park VS Cognac is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle format. Is Park VS worth the price? Park VS positions in the upper range of entry-level Cognac pricing, competing with VSOP expressions from larger houses. The small-batch production, dual-cru sourcing, and two-stage oak maturation process deliver complexity that justifies the modest premium over mass-market VS bottlings. Why Park VS? What separates Park VS from the crowded VS category is its provenance and process. The two-stage aging regimen—new lightly toasted oak followed by seasoned casks—is an extra step most producers skip at this tier, and it shows in the layered fruit and restrained tannin structure. Distillerie Tessendier's four-generation commitment to small-batch production means quality control at a scale the major houses simply cannot replicate across their volume. For drinkers who have graduated past mainstream VS Cognacs and want to understand what the craft side of the category has to offer, Park VS is a logical and rewarding starting point.
