Wine & LiqueurCognac
Cognac XO (Extra Old)
XO minimum age was raised from 6 to 10 years in 2018 by BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac). The angel's share economics make aged Cognac genuinely scarce — not hoarding but evaporation.
Flavor Profile
Dried apricot, walnut, honey, leather, tobacco, dark dried fruit, chocolate. Vanilla-oak and oxidized-nutty dominate; stone fruit recedes. Sipping territory — mixing feels wasteful unless in a spirit-forward stirred drink that honors the complexity.
Key Producers
Standard
Hennessy XO
The XO that defined the category; the 'rapper's Cognac' but also genuinely excellent
Premium
Rémy Martin XO
Fine Champagne region (best terroir designation); exceptional complexity
Martell XO
Slightly drier, more restrained style
Premium
Hine Antique XO
More delicate and floral for the XO tier
AOC Cognac; minimum 10 years aging in French oak for youngest spirit in blend (raised from 6 years in 2018); most XO expressions contain spirits aged 20–30+ years