• V.S. -  Very Special
• V.S.O.P. - Very Superior Old Pale
• X.O - Extra Old
  
  
• Aroma - Any olfactory sensation perceived retro-nasally: pleasant fragrance released from a beverage.
  
• Bouquet - The combination of all the olfactory sensations (odour plus aroma).
  
• Body -  A spirit is said to have body when it is consistent, round, when it rolls under the tongue
  and appears suave and smooth as opposed to dry and flat.
  
• "Doucereux" - Used for a spirit that has an unpleasant smoothness.
  
• Flavour - The combination of sensations in the nose and mouth (taste plus bouquet).
  
• "Gouleyant" - A French term which describes a wine or spirit that has body and that is easily enjoyed thanks to its freshness and lightness.
  
• Taste - The combination of sensations in the mouth (savour plus aroma).
  
• Length - The quality of a spirit where its bouquet and the smoothness linger for a long time in the nose and mouth.
  
• "Montant" - The first fragrance released from cognac.
  
• "Robe" or Dress - The colour of the spirit.
  
• Savour - The sensations of taste on the tongue and palate.
  
• Dry - A spirit which neither sweet nor smooth.
  
• Tannin (excess of) - A spirit that has been aged too long in a young cask has an excess of tannin. A flaw that makes a cognac undrinkable due to its bitterness and astringency.