XO Cognacs - Napoléon
A Napoleon, or X.O (for Extra Old ), also called Hors d'âge, is a cognac which youngest eau-de-vie is at least six and a half years old.
A Cognac may be sold only when its youngest eau-de-vie reaches a minimum of two and a half years old, as of the first day of October following the harvest of the grapes.
Only the years of storage in oak barrels count to determine its age. Once transferred into glass, Cognac stops maturing. It stands still.
However, most Cognac houses will use Cognacs much older than those required by law, allowing X.Os to reach a minimum of twenty years old, in order to reveal their very best.
XO is perhaps one of the vaguest classifications regarding quality, and should’t be taken at face value without further search. Some of the XOs you can find in our site are certainly under-priced, while some others, which, of course, you will NOT find here at Le Cognac, may be quite mediocre . In fact, selecting Cognacs with a reasonably quality/price ratios is one of our raisons d’être.
On the other hand, regarding Cognac, beyond a certain level of quality one enters into the realm of subjectivity. And then, of course, there is always a premium in rarity. When a product is scarce, if demand remains strong, it is only natural that prices go up. This is exactly what we have been seeing with high-end Cognac prices in the last few years because of the huge Chinese demand.
As a rule, we would say that the XOs present at Le Cognac are all good value in general market terms. Some of them are indeed very good value.
Louis Bouron - XO
Family Property since 1832, Louis Bouron is one of the only owners whose vineyard is spread over 3 of the best growths (crus) of the official region of the Cognac. Thanks to this specificity, their Cognac and Pineau des Charentes are the result of a smooth combination of the roundness & suppleness of Fins Bois, the violet flavour of Borderies and the floral bouquet of Petite Champagne.
Paul Beau - Hors d'Age
Vieille Grande Champagne. Gold medal at the 2008 Concours Agricole de Paris, Silver medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition 2001. Aged 20-25 years.
Gold medal at the 2010 Concours Général Agricole of Paris !
Raymond Ragnaud - Folle Blanche -2002-Grande Champagne-
This fine and elegant "eau-de-vie" is produced from a rare and old grape variety "the Folle Blanche".
The "Folle Blanche" is the original cognac grape variety, abandoned after the attack of phylloxera in the late nineteenth century.
The "Folle Blanche" gives incredibly elegant, delicate and perfumed cognacs.
ABK6 - XO Grand Cru 50cl
Deep old gold in colour.
The nose displays aromatic richness with dried fruit and nuts and the liquorice aromas typical of well matured Cognacs.
Its develops towards the spice and characteristic fruit pastry notes which are our signature.
The palate is dense and smooth yet elegant and with considerable finesse.
Many awards at spirits competitions.
ABK6 - XO Family Reserve
Deep old gold in colour.
The nose displays aromatic richness with dried fruit and nuts and the liquorice aromas typical of well matured Cognacs.
Its develops towards the spice and characteristic fruit pastry notes which are our signature.
The palate is dense and smooth yet elegant and with considerable finesse.
Many awards at spirits competitions.
ABK6 - Aged 10 Years
SINGLE ESTATE XO
Old gold in colour.
The nose is spice dominated at first with pastry notes which follow and also a hint of dry leaves.
The palate has excellent structure with a long dry finish where dry oak is perceptible beside vanilla and a hint of cinnamon.
Many awards at spirits competitions.
AE DOR - Réserve Cigare
42° For cigar amateurs.
The maturity of Fins Bois, the tense liveliness of Borderies, and the long-lasting finesse of the champagne areas, blend delicately together.
André Petit - Napoléon
Vieille Réserve Napoléon
It is a very elaborate Cognac.
A bouquet with considerable fineness and harmonious blending of flavours.
Château de Beaulon - Napoléon
Napoleon
An extremely good 20 year old cognac. Very good value
In its traditional box.
