Shustov Bell XO Cognac (175cl, 40%)

Shustov Bell XO Cognac is a 40% ABV XO cognac from Shustov, a Ukrainian distiller near Odessa founded in 1863. The XO designation means the youngest eau-de-vie has aged at least ten years. The house was granted the right to label its spirits cognac in 1900 after a Paris Grand Prix win. It is deep amber and honeyed, aged in fine oak barrels. On the nose there are dried fruits, rich vanilla and warming spice; the palate is velvety with luscious honey, aged oak and creamy caramel over a mellow fruit core; the finish is long, smooth and sophisticated.