Product of: France

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Launched mid 2003, ‘XO Excellence’ replaced Rémy’s ‘XO Special. Comprising 15% Petite Champagne and 85% Grande Champagne, this Fine Champagne cognac is blended from some 300 eaux-de-vie aged 10 - 37 years and is said to have an average tasting age of 25 years.

This is a step up from the previous ‘XO Special’ which was aged 8 - 35 years giving an average tasting age of 22 years. This change came as a result of Rémy wanting to pre-empt a change in laws governing cognac requiring the youngest cognac in an XO to be at least ten years old.

This slightly enhanced XO still comes in Rémy’s recognisable round grooved decanter-style bottle which was created in 1981 it is lovingly referred to as the ‘Sun decanter’ by some within the company.

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 28/07/2014

Appearance:

Clear, deep coppery amber with bronze glints.

Aroma:

Caramel, vanilla, dates, honey and light spice with marmalade, nutty notes and faint floral jasmine.

Taste:

Easy, very faintly sweet and light spiced nutty palate with candied fruit, orange marmalade, fig and spicy cinnamon spice.

Aftertaste:

Caramel, nutty vanilla fudge, marmalade and light spice.