Jean Fillioux XO Grande Réserve Cognac (70cl, 44%)

A cognac from the family estate La Pouyade in Grande Champagne, matured for over thirty years. Ugni Blanc wine from chalky clay soils is double-distilled in a Charentais pot still with lees, and the cognac is bottled at 44% ABV. It combines a robust flavour with a smooth texture. Vanilla and honey meet candied fruits, mango, orange, apricot and dark chocolate, with peach, nuts and maple syrup adding sweetness; cinnamon, oak, black tea and rancio bring spice and maturity. The nose opens with cocoa, nougat, buttered almonds and red fruit compote, then prunes, dark raisins, honey and vanilla wafers. The palate is silky and layered, with peach, nuts, maple syrup, cinnamon, rancio, oak and black tea. The long, warming finish shows oak, dark chocolate and espresso.