Merlet XO Cognac (75cl, 40%)

An XO Cognac from the Merlet family, who have distilled Cognac for merchant houses since 1850. This blend is crafted by Gilles Merlet with his sons Pierre and Luc, using eaux-de-vie sourced mainly from Fins Bois, Petite Champagne and Grande Champagne, with the estate spanning Fins Bois and Borderies terroirs. Every eau-de-vie is distilled on-site and rests for a minimum of ten years in the family's cellars, developing a fruity, aromatic style. The bottle carries the family coat of arms embossed into the glass, with a leather-like label in deep brown and gold and a golden stopper. The nose is rich and complex, from orange peel and vanilla to white flowers, followed by a clean then round and ample palate with fine woodiness, and clear, lasting fruit notes. It also shows subtle peach, apricot and sweet white grapes, with ginger, black pepper and oak.