XO, Grande Champagne, 44.9% abv, Cognac barrel, 483 bottles, dram price E

The nose has apple, rhubarb, custard creams and hints of white pepper. The mouthfeel is thin with a little cling. The body has vanilla pods, rosewater, lavender, violets and hints of melon. The finish is short and just a continuation of the body.

Water brings out thin rapidly expanding whorling that settles quickly into lingering mottling. The nose gains lavender and vanilla. The body gains more vanilla. The finish also gains vanilla.

A superb cognac that doesn't quite deliver on the palate what it promises on the nose - but still well worthwhile.

3.5/5