In terms of age, which of the following spirits has the longest minimum aging requirement?

Hors d'âge cognac is defined by its extended aging process, reflecting the minimum age requirement that is typically much longer than that of other categories. Specifically, this designation indicates that the spirit inside the bottle has been aged for a minimum of 10 years, but often significantly longer, making it a blend of the oldest and finest spirits. This aging allows for a complex and rich flavor profile, characterizing the highest echelon of cognac quality.

In contrast, the other options, such as XO cognac, have a minimum aging requirement of 10 years, but they do not inherently signify that the spirit is the oldest available. Extra cognac often aligns with XO cognac requirements but can vary without a strictly defined aging policy. Vielle reserve cognac, while also providing a sense of an aging process, does not carry the same formal designation that guarantees it the longest minimum age. Therefore, hors d'âge stands out for its rigorous definition in the realm of cognac, emphasizing the importance of age in developing flavor and quality.