The age is determined by the youngest eau de vie used in the blend. Blends usually consist of different ages and the combination of eaux de vie is important to obtain a complexity of flavors. The classifications are VS: (Very Special) for 2+ years, VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) for 4+ years, XO (Extra Old) for 6+ years, and Hors d’âge (“beyond age”) for products beyond the age scale.