Bache Gabrielsen XO Cognac (1000ml)

Exceeds its minimum age requirements by a good margin, with some of the eaux-de-vie in the blend nearly two decades old.

Norway’s Bache-Gabrielsen actually has three XO expressions: the 'Classic', a multi-appellation XO decanter, and this, the Fine Champagne XO. Essentially, they're different blends. The Fine Champagne is created using distillates from Grande Champagne (65%) and Petite Champagne (35%) with the breakdown being 95% Ugni Blanc complemented by 5% Colombard and Folle Blanche. It's another house XO that exceeds its minimum age requirements by a good margin, with some of the eaux-de-vie in the blend aged for nearly two decades! One litre format. 40% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... The nosing passes find scents of pork rind, palm oil, lanolin, lard, raisins, cranberry, toffee, salted butter and old leather. Palate entry finds layered flavors of cocoa bean, brown butter, bacon fat, cinnamon, fruitcake and dark caramel; midpalate offers dry, dusty flavors of mineral, prune, black raisins and figs. Finishes long, off-dry, caramel-like, lightly honeyed and silky. 90-95 points - wineenthusiast.com

Double Gold medal San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2009

Notes from the producers... Exceptionally floral, with hints of cinnamon, vanilla, honey, iris and cigar on the nose. On tasting we find great balance with slightly peppery notes, then dried fruits and chocolate which confirm that the ageing process has been perfectly controlled. The finish on the palate is of a rare consistency and preserves the flavor of cinnamon and sweet spices.

Thomas Bache-Gabrielsen, a young lieutenant from Norway, moved to Charente in 1903 to join his friend Peter Rustad in the Cognac business. Two years later, they took over the 'Edmond Dupuy' cognac company and gave it a new name: Rustad & Bache Gabrielsen. Thomas fully settled in the region, marrying a local woman who also worked in the industry. Peter sadly passed away suddenly in 1916, after which Thomas took over the whole business, eventually passing it to his son Réné. Today, Bache Gabrielsen is run by fourth-generation company director Hervé Bache-Gabrielsen. While keeping an eye on tradition, as an economist, Hervé also knows the importance of staying relevant in an ever-changing world.