Each year, the New York World Spirits Competition (NYWSC) brings together an international panel of esteemed judges to recognize the world’s finest spirits—those that exemplify excellence in craftsmanship, balance, and expression. Among the most anticipated categories, Cognac continues to stand as a timeless showcase of tradition and artistry, representing centuries of savoir-faire distilled into the glass. The 2025 winners reaffirm that heritage, delivering extraordinary depth, elegance, and innovation from some of the world’s most revered houses.

For over two centuries, Courvoisier has represented the refined art of Cognac-making — a house known for its commitment to balance, harmony, and aromatic elegance. Its VSOP expression captures that legacy beautifully, merging the vitality of youthful eaux-de-vie with the depth imparted by meticulous oak aging. The result is a Cognac that bridges tradition and modernity, inviting both connoisseurs and new enthusiasts to appreciate its refined yet expressive style.

Launched with a vision to redefine contemporary Cognac, D’USSÉ has become a modern icon of French craftsmanship. Produced at the historic Château de Cognac — one of the oldest Cognac houses in France — D’USSÉ XO showcases a bold, luxurious interpretation of the category. Its cellar-aged eaux-de-vie are selected for their depth and structure, yielding a Cognac that is both sophisticated and unmistakably expressive. This triple-winning expression captures the essence of D’USSÉ’s philosophy: tradition with an edge of innovation.

The 2025 Cognac winners stand as tributes to both heritage and evolution within the category. Courvoisier and D’USSÉ exemplify distinct philosophies — one steeped in historic refinement, the other in modern luxury — yet both deliver extraordinary expressions of what makes Cognac eternally captivating. This year’s results remind us that true excellence in Cognac lies not only in age or pedigree, but in artistry, balance, and the ability to tell a story through each sip.