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Even though I’m not the biggest fan of pairing cigars with high alcoholic beverages and neat spirits, this is a Cognac that would perfectly accompany an elegant Ecuador Habano wrapped cigar. Towards the end of the nasal perception, there’s creamy marzipan, a perfume-like orange peel aroma, elegantly rounded off by luscious vanilla. The alcohol is perfectly woven into the overall experience. Every minute, there’s a new aromatic quality, with every sip there’s a new flavor emerging.
Courvoisier XO Cognac| Courvoisier® Courvoisier XO Cognac| Courvoisier®
The overall presentation of Courvoisier XO is a perfect expression of the liquid’s grandesse and luxurious character. A toasted, charred almond note gives way to a distinct woodiness, which translates into a spicy, astringent feel on the side of the tongue. This carries the overall impression into a very long, elegant, and perfectly refined finish.
One particular, elegant French dessert would not only fit the overall theme but also make for an absolute match made in heaven: Crêpes Suzette. Since they offer a rich, caramelized orange note and zesty orange peel quality, they sit proudly next to the dried orange character of the XO. A piece of toasted brioche with a smear of foie gras and orange jelly would be just as heavenly. Besides these caramelized notes, I detect fresh grapes, highlighting the winey characteristics and primary essence of the liquor. As one would expect with such a luxurious spirit, Courvoisier XO offers intriguing depth and elegance. However, a distinct freshness keeps the overall aromatic profile very much in balance, graciously embracing the floral undertones. Freshly ground spices stimulate the taste buds: cinnamon and cloves are accompanied by earthy nutmeg and tonka bean. The primary taste components remind me of the prunes and particularly the raisins I had experienced in the nose. The mouthfeel is particularly creamy, full-bodied, offering plenty of weight on the palate without being overly heavy or stuffy. The palette is charmed by a very soft and mellow opening. Despite being dry, a little whiff of sweetness carries the luscious body and mouthfeel with every sip. Crisp, mineral undertones reveal a lot of winey freshness, similar to the promise of the olfactory perception. This is a most elegant Cognac, offering freshness, depth and intriguing complexity of 20-plus years of aging, all the same time.