D'Usse XO Cognac (750Ml)

Description

D'USSÉ XO is the older, richer sibling of the house VSOP. It arrived in the United States in 2014, two years after the VSOP. No eau-de-vie in this blend is younger than ten years, all of it matured in French oak. This cognac matures slowly in the cellars of the Château de Cognac. What you get is a deep amber cognac with real age behind it, yet it still feels lively.

The home of D'USSÉ is the Château de Cognac, a castle on the banks of the Charente River. It began as a fortress in the 10th century. Later it became the birthplace of King François I. Baron Otard bought it in 1795 and saved it from ruin. The river keeps some cellars damp and others dry. That mix lets the team age spirits in two very different ways. Most of the XO's eaux-de-vie rest in the humid cellar, with some time spent in the dry one.

Master Blender Michel Casavecchia builds each batch by hand. He picks from the château's stock, where some of the rarest eaux-de-vie have rested for many years. According to the house, one bottle holds more than 200 different eaux-de-vie. They range from about 10 to 20 years old. The decanter carries the Cross of Lorraine, a French symbol of honor, courage and perseverance. It looks sharp on a shelf, but the liquid is the real draw.

Let your glass rest for a minute before you dive in. The nose brings ripe blackberry and apricot, with a nutty touch of walnut. On the palate, the texture is silky and rich without feeling heavy. Blackberry and apricot lead the way. Then dark chocolate and walnut come through and add depth. The finish is beautifully balanced, with walnut and dark chocolate staying with you at the end. It is a fruit-forward XO rather than a heavy, woody one.

The XO made a strong start. In 2014 it won a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. That same year it was a finalist for the Chairman's Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. It also made its debut front row at the 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Those early wins helped it build a loyal following among cognac drinkers.

This is a cognac for slow sipping, so serve it neat at room temperature. A tulip glass or snifter works best. Swirl it gently to open up the fruit before your first sip. You can also use it in a top-shelf cocktail when you want to share. For food, try dark chocolate truffles, crème brûlée or a plate of aged Gouda. Roasted duck works nicely too, and so does a good cigar after dinner. Do you love fruit-led cognac with polish and depth? Then this bottle makes a great gift or a fine way to mark a big moment.

Product Details

• UPC: 080480002947
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• ABV: 40%
• Origin / Country: Cognac, France
• Type: XO Cognac
• Brand: D'Usse
• Age Statement: XO, eaux-de-vie aged a minimum of 10 years
• Cask Type: French oak barrels
• Production: Blended at Château de Cognac by Master Blender Michel Casavecchia
• Awards: Gold Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2014; Chairman's Trophy finalist, Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2014
• Recommended Pairing: Dark chocolate truffles, crème brûlée, aged Gouda, roasted duck, cigars
• Mixing Suggestion: Neat in a tulip glass, or in premium cognac cocktails
• Taste Profile: Ripe blackberry, apricot, dark chocolate, walnut
• Aroma & Bouquet: Ripe blackberry, apricot, walnut
• Smooth & Finish: Silky, exceptionally balanced finish with walnut and dark chocolate