What does this mean?

Question

VSOP

Answer 1

It means very superior old pale, usually in reference to a type of aged brandy.

Answer 2

Very Smooth Old Pale; it is a designation used for alambic brandies - most notably Cognac. It is a quality designation, but is not a judgement of taste, but of average age of the contents of the bottle. There are many designations that are possible, but mass-produced brandies are generally rated VS, VSOP or XO (in order of age, from youngest to oldest).

Answer 3

It's the designation, based on the length of ageing of the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend of a cognac.
To be sold to the public, a Cognac must have been aged in oak cask for at least two years counting from the end of the distillation period, that is April 1st of the year following the harvest (compte 2). Once bottled, a Cognac retains the same age indefinitely.
Generally speaking, Cognac Master Blenders use eaux-de-vie that are much older than the minimum requirement for their blends. In fact, the most prestigious designations may have aged for dozens of years in oak casks before being presented to the public.
The most widely designations used are:
V.S. (Very Special) or *** (3 star) (Compte 2): Cognacs whose youngest eau-de-vie is at least two years old.
V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale), Reserve (Compte 4): Cognacs whose youngest eau-de-vie is at least four years old.
Napoléon, X.O (Extra Old), Hors d'âge (Compte 6): Cognacs whose youngest eau-de-vie is at least six years old.

Answer 4

Very Superior Old Pale.

This is a designation for premium cognacs. Lesser grades are VS. Better grades are XO.