Camus Elegance XO Cognac (700ml)

Of the four or five big names that dominate the Cognac market, Camus has stood its ground as our steady favourite.

Perhaps it's the fact that it’s the last of the major Cognac Houses to remain entirely family run, but probably more-so for their championing of Borderies, Cognac's smallest appellation, though certainly not its most prestigious. Soils here are a mixture of chalk and clay with a micro climate that's generally the earliest to ripen fruit. Borderies are typically early maturing, full bodied brandies used to give 'backbone' when blending. While eaux-de-vie from all six of the Cognac crus are included in this expression, according to Camus, it’s the Borderies input that gives “…a rounder flavour and greater aromatic length”. Apart from a shared enthusiasm for this appellation (their Borderies exclusive is a must try), the Camus house style also tends to retain slightly more 'freshness' and finesse when compared to often sweeter, broader examples from the likes of Hennessey or Courvoisier.

Composed of material that’s a minimum of six years old, reportedly, some of the eaux de vie in the Elegance XO blend is matured for as long as 30 years.

Tasting note: Deep polished copper. Issues a seductive perfume that includes fig paste, apple strudel, honey and cigar box followed by a light to medium bodied, juicy dried fig / apple mid palate with a peppery finish and a fresh, drying orange cake and cigar box aftertaste. Beautifully balanced. Silky and elegantly styled XO. 40% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... This copper--penny colored Cognac is best when allowed time to open, since it evolves in the glass. The nose offers notes of dried cherries, toffee and oak. The palate is light at first, with vanilla and warm caramel deepening to an unusually fruity finish full of rounded apricot and orange flavors. It's mouthwatering and delicious, perfect for pairing with fruit tarts and pies. 
95 points- www.wineenthusiast.com

Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2015