An unofficial age designation, “Napoleon” Cognac technically falls within the official classification of a V.S.O.P which requires eaux-de-vie to be aged for a minimum of four years. However, a V.S.O.P Cognac may be referred to as a Napoleon if it has been aged for more than six years.
The origin of this name goes back to the French Emperor Napoleon and the Cognac House Courvoisier. Legend has it that Napoleon took crates of Courvoisier Cognac into exile with him to the island of St Helena, and the crew coined the cognac as “Cognac Napoleon”.
It is of course recommended to try the favourite of the man himself and taste Courvoisier Napoleon Cognac.