xo cognac

What is XO Cognac and What Should I Try?

what is xo cognac the three drinkers

With The Three Drinkers in Cognac exploring the stunning liquid that is cognac as well as its picturesque namesake surroundings, we thought it was about time we went into detail about what those letters on cognac and other brandy bottles mean. We’ve covered VS and VSOP cognac before and now it’s time for XO!

What is XO Cognac?

Whereas, VS (Very Special) is the youngest age statement of cognac and means no liquid in the bottle is younger than two years old, XO Cognac means Extra Old, which in numerical terms means that the liquid has been aged for a minimum of ten years. Some parts of the blend may be older, but ten is the minimum.

Interestingly, this actually changed in 2016 when six years used to be the XO minimum, so if you buy an older XO, you might find that there is in fact liquid younger than ten years old.

How Does XO Cognac differ to VSOP and XXO Cognac?

VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) bottles are quite significantly younger than XO, requiring at least four years of aging. XO (Extra Old) is the next official category along, with ten years of aging needed, and beyond that there is XXO (yep, you guessed it - Extra Extra Old) that must be fourteen years of age.

Cognac masters use different eaux-de-vie of various ages to add different characteristics to the blend, so even though VS and VSOP are more commonly used for cocktails and mixes, it is not as simple as ‘the older the better’. Some VSOP will contain eaux-de-vie that are mostly XO, but may include some much younger liquid for vibrance, thereby categorising it as VSOP.

There are all kinds of unofficial age statements and other terms like Napoleon and hors d’âge so check out our full breakdown of the age statements here (including top recommendations from each!).

So many parts of the production process affect the end product of cognac, but generally the longer cognac sits in the barrel, the richer, nuttier, and more complex it becomes.  In the world of cognac, there is a relationship between age and price, with VS usually the most affordable, and XXO and beyond commanding the biggest price tags.

How is XO Cognac drunk?

Whilst the bright and fiery youth of VS blends lend themselves to cocktails, the nuance and complexity of an XO is likely to be lost mixed with such strong ingredients. It would still be delicious, particularly in a simple Highball, but for the money, it’s probably best enjoyed on its own.

When we say on its own, we mean either neat as an aperitif, or with a few drops of water as some drinkers enjoy. This, like a little ice, dilutes the cognac slightly for a smoother experience and often reveals new aromas such as fruity, floral, and/or spicy notes. If the XO is good quality (like below), you will want to slowly sip and find your way around the liquid and its layers without intensely flavoured mixers… but as is the golden rule with drinking, enjoy it in whatever way you enjoy it!

Which XO Cognac should I try?

Courvoisier XO

courvoisier xo what is xo cognac and what should i try? the three drinkers

A timeless classic with layers of complexity from aged eaux-de-vie from all across the Cognac growing regions. Oak-y throughout, the nose of apricot opens out into silky smooth berries with delectable orange to finish. This is a serial award-winning XO for a reason!

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £114.95 // US $189.99

Rémy Martin XO

Rémy Martin XO what is xo cognac and what should i try? the three drinkers

This Grande and Petite Champagne blend is masterful from grape to glass. Vanilla, caramel and warm spice weave harmoniously in a rich and sophisticated XO. This alongside a few squares of dark chocolate is a dream.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £174.99 // US $249.99

Prunier Tres Vieille XO

Prunier Tres Vieille XO what is xo cognac and what should i try? the three drinkers

Unbelievably soft, this Prunier Tres Vieille XO fills the mouth with elegant richness, including some more unusual leather and white pepper notes alongside a tarte tatin reminiscence to die for.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £170

Hine Antique XO Cognac

Hine Antique XO Cognac what is xo cognac and what should i try? the three drinkers

This is a gorgeously soothing XO with indulgence and subtlety. 40 different cognacs aged over a decade create layers upon layers of spicy pepper, fruits rolled in cinnamon and perfumed spice.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £163 // US $234.99

Martell XO Cognac

Martell XO Cognac  what is xo cognac and what should i try? the three drinkers

Dating back to 1715, Martell is the oldest cognac house, and this XO radiates those generations of expertise. Mellow and soft in the mouth, it’s fragrant with citrus, walnut and blossom and every sip feels like a treat (exactly what you want from an XO).

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £182.99 // US $264.99

Maxime Trijol XO

Maxime Trijol XO what is xo cognac and what should i try? the three drinkers

Spiced orange and caramel swirl together in this gem of an XO that also provides pretty impressive value. It’s dry, fruity, and lined with vanilla butterscotch for complete indulgence. Many cognac aficionados return to this as their regular sipper!

Size: 700ml       
ABV: 40%
Find here: £102.99

Frapin Château de Fontpinot XO Cognac

Frapin Château de Fontpinot XO Cognac what is xo cognac and what should i try? the three drinkers

Winner of the prestigious Master award for Single Cru XO in 2018, this Grand Champagne blend is moreishly fruity and floral with terrific poise. Subtle nuts and oaky vanilla round off a characterful and distinct XO that’s bursting with flavour.

Size: 700ml       
ABV: 41%
Find here: £134.99

Jean Fillioux Grande Reserve XO Cognac

Jean Fillioux Grande Reserve XO Cognac what is xo cognac and what should i try? the three drinkers

At a lip-smacking 44%, this is a bold and powerful single Cru XO that is masterfully balanced. Oak, vanilla, and orange all work with one another and for under £100, you just don’t get XO cognac much better.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 44%
Find here: UK £91.75 // US $138.99

For more information about the rich world of cognac, check out the Beginner’s Guide (or The Three Drinkers in Cognac of course!)

Delicious Cognac to Drink and Gift this Christmas

Best Christmas Gift Cognac thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Cognac is back with a bang and it’s not just for cocktails, my friends. Cognac is a spirit made with grapes, which is then aged in oak and it can be a great place to ease yourself into the spirits world. Often, it can be a little softer than whisky, with mellow flavours of candied orange peel, fudge and cinnamon spice. Like whisky, it has many levels of quality from the entry-level VS style all the way up to XO (extra old) and vintage cognacs (There’s our little video here with some basics if you want to know more.) In the meantime, here are some special cognacs that are perfect for gifting and sipping this festive season.


Camus Cognac VS Elegance

Best Christmas Present Cognac Camus Cognac thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

The Camus family has always been deeply involved in winemaking and distilling and make a wide range of Cognacs at differing quality levels and styles. This is their gentle, easy-going entry-level Cognac which boasts aromas and flavours of blossom, dried apricot, vanilla pod and spice. A brilliantly accessible introduction to Cognac. 

Size: 1l
ABV: 40%
Find here:
UK £32.96 // US $30.99 (70cl)

Courvoisier Fine VSOP

Best Christmas Cognac Courvoisier VSOP thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

This classic VSOP, a quality step up from VS, is made by one of the best known producers of the region: Courvoisier. With its incredibly rich history, especially as the producer of cognac for the Napoleonic wars, Courvoisier has had a long time to perfect its style and this is an absolute benchmark for VSOP. Think of a silky smooth spirit, with notes of baked pear, red apples and hints of cinnamon spice, coffee bean and toast. 

Size: 70cl
ABV:
40%
Find here:
UK £34.95 // US $42.99


Rémy Martin Royal Accord Cognac

Best Christmas Cognac Remy Martin cognac thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Powerful, smooth and rich with notes of toffee and cherry wood, this cognac sits between a VSOP and XO style. It was named in honour of King Louis XV granting the ‘Accord Royal’ to Rémy Martin in 1738, which allowed them to plant vines on royal land. This is a rich and robust Cognac. Given its age and pedigree, this cognac is an absolute steal!

Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £42.45 // US $53.99

Delamain Pale & Dry

Best Christmas Cognac Delamain Cognac thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

This exceptionally elegant and delicate ’Grande Champagne’ cognac is the flagship spirit of the historic house of Delamain and it is celebrating its 100th year this year. Grande Champagne is the premium grape growing area of the region and it produces the finest eaux-de-vie to make cognac. As the label states, this extra old cognac is pale and dry, with a subtle, floral perfume, a hint of leather and a complex, yet round, fruited finish. 

Size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £97.45 // US: $135.54

Frapin Vintage 1990 Cognac

Best Christmas Conac Frapin thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

With cognac, the quality of the grapes matters, even though they are being distilled and in a fantastic year, the base for some exceptional cognacs are produced, such as this one from 1990. Made with grapes from one single vineyard, this is a concentrated and powerful, yet elegant cognac with a perfume of jasmine and apricot blossom along with some darker notes of nuts and star anise. 

Size: 70cl
ABV:
41.3%
Find here:
£140

Courvoisier XO Initiale

Best Christmas Present Cognac Courvoisier XO Cognac thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

This bottling is relatively new for Courvoisier and yet is another timeless, beautifully blended spirit where its complexity comes from very old eaux-di-vie from all over the Cognac region. Think of dried peach, red fruits, cocoa powder and a touch of worn leather. Delicious. A great one for dark chocolate too. 

Size: 70cl
ABV:
40%
Find here:
UK £86.95 // US $99.99


And in case you were feeling flush…


Rome de Belleguard Cognac XO Limited Edition

Best Christmas Cognac Rome de Belleguard thethreedrinkers.com the three drinkers

Rome de Belleguard is home to the most expensive Cognac in the world and no this isn’t it. Made with grapes grown exclusively in the Grand Champagne appellations in Cognac, the spirit is stored in new casks for 3-5 years before being matured in oak barrels for up to 30 years. Ethereal and perfumed, this is a very elegant spirit with vanilla cream, citrus peel and woody spice. 

Size: 70cl
ABV:
40%
Find here:
£3000

Have you checked out our wine, no-low and cocktail gift guides yet?