Courvoisier XO Cognac (700ml)
Before establishing the company in Jarnac, and as his father Emmanuel did before him, Felix Courvoisier worked in close association with the Gallois family, important wholesalers in wine and spirits in Bercy. As loyal suppliers to the Imperial Court, they had been honoured with Napoleon’s visit at their warehouses in 1811. Legend has it that Napoleon made sure to bring several barrels of cognac on the ship which took him to St Helen, a treat much appreciated by English officers who named it 'The Brandy of Napoleon'.
Courvoisier exclusively uses Ugni Blanc grapes, from the four finest crus of the Cognac region: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies and Fins Bois. Courvoisier has contracts with more than 1,000 vine growers’ families, who have been linked to the brand for generations.
The double distillation process is specific to cognac, and takes place in a traditional Charentais pot still made of red copper. Produce from the first distillation, the 'brouillis' is distilled a second time for 'La Bonne Chauffe' (The Good Heating). The distiller must then separate the final product into three parts: the heads, the heart (the young cognac, a clear and pure eau-de-vie at 70% ABV), and finally the tails. The stills work day and night from the beginning of November until the 31st of March. Unlike many of its competitors and because a smaller still allows better control of the quality and complexity of the young cognac, Courvoisier uses only the latter for both distillations.
Other reviews... Deep amber copper color. Complex aromas of ginger cookie, anise seed, fig bread, suede, praline and vanilla pudding follow through on a round, supple entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body with tangy dried citrus, cola, and cocoa notes. Finishes with a long, smooth, warming fade. A very elegant, nuanced and stylish XO.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
92 points (Exceptional) - tastings.com
Gold Medal - SIP Awards 2019
Consumer's Choice Award - SIP Awards 2019
Gold Medal: 91 Points - Los Angeles International Spirits Competition 2019
Double Gold Medal - San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) 2019
Finalist (F): 95 Points - Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC) 2019
Silver Medal - International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2019