Rémy Martin XO (70cl, 40%)

A Fine Champagne cognac from Rémy Martin, blended from up to 400 eaux-de-vie of Grande and Petite Champagne. The youngest component ages for at least ten years in French oak casks, with older distillates completing the blend. The blend combines candied fruit and flowers with nuts, spices, cocoa and a full, smooth mouthfeel. Dried figs and passion fruit sit alongside jasmine, honey and a hint of nutmeg. Introduced in 1981, it is recognisable by its sun-shaped decanter. The nose shows white flowers and candied fruits. The palate brings ripe plum, dried fig and candied orange into spice notes with nutmeg and freshly ground hazelnuts. The long finish lingers with roasted cocoa beans and honey-sweet gingerbread.