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 Royer - XO
Louis Royer XO embodies the perfect balance between the most prestigious crus of cognac, and meets the demands of the real connoisseurs. It is elaborated in blending the best eaux de vie which have been carefully selected amongst our oldest stocks.
Hine - Cigar Reserve
Bernard HINE & Nicholas Freeman, the late chairman of UK Havana cigar importers, Hunters & Frankau, combined their lifetime experience to produce this unique cognac, especially created for the cigar connoisseur.
Gautier - Pinar del Rio XO
An exceptional Cognac, blended with eau de vie aged up to 25 years. For the connoisseur who will appreciate the marriage of aged Cognacs with quality cigars. A real achievement !
Gautier - Tradition Rare
Extra old Cognac
Tradition Rare is the perfect gift for the discerning consumer. With Tradition Rare, we wanted to share with you our oldest reserves set aside in Gautier Cellars Paradise. The result is a unique blend of extremely rare Cognac smooth and richly flavoured.
Gautier - Gold & Blue
GOLD, the sun and light like Cognac XO …
This XO is a blend of old «eaux-de-vie».The benefit is a finer, rounder and fuller Cognac. Rich yet smooth with a long finish.
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.
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.
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.
