Introduction
Sazerac is a name I typically associate with American whiskey, so when I heard they'd released their own Cognac range, I was immediately curious. The XO in particular caught my attention—partly because I enjoy well-aged French brandy, and partly because I wanted to see what a company rooted in Kentucky culture would do with something as deeply French as Cognac. I came into this tasting with cautious optimism. Was this an experimental stretch, or a thoughtful entry into a classic category?
Nose
Right from the first swirl, the nose was soft and well-rounded. There's a calm richness here—dried apricots, fig preserves, toasted almonds, and a quieter layer of cedar and leather. The oak influence is present but not pushy; it complements more than it leads. As it opened up, I got some spiced honey and faint orange peel. It's gently aromatic rather than showy, which made me appreciate its subtlety even more.
Palate
On the palate, this Cognac leans toward the traditional style—well-aged and harmoniously blended. It starts with dates and caramelised nuts, then shifts into deeper woodiness and mild tobacco leaf. There’s a nice balance between fruit and oak, with neither overshadowing the other. The mouthfeel is silky but not overly mouth-coating. A dusting of cinnamon and clove arrives mid-way, enough to add warmth without turning spicy. There’s some layered maturity here, but the dram remains easy to enjoy—I didn’t need to go searching for enjoyment; it was upfront but poised.
Finish
The finish is moderately long, gently tapering off without abruptness. Notes of sweet oak linger alongside a touch of old leather and vanilla. As the sweetness fades, it leaves behind a subtle dryness that I found grounding and clean. There’s nothing flashy about the finish—it just quietly exits while leaving a nice impression. No burn, no harshness—just a calm, mature close.
Price and Value
For a small batch XO Cognac, the price is fair. It doesn’t try to compete with legacy names like Delamain or Hine in terms of complexity, but in terms of drinkability and composure, it holds its ground. I’d say it’s a solid buy for someone who wants an XO that leans classic but isn’t overly rich or syrupy. It’s not a showpiece bottle, but it’s a reliably balanced sipper. The packaging is tasteful without being ostentatious, which reflects the contents well.
Background
This Cognac comes from Grande Champagne, the premier cru of the Cognac region, known for producing grapes that age exceptionally well in oak. Sazerac, who are best known for their American whiskey brands like Buffalo Trace, acquired this spirits house in France and have quietly been developing Cognac expressions under their new European umbrella. You can read more about the company’s heritage and approach at the official Sazerac website. All of the XO components are a minimum of 10 years old—though some taste older—and they’re blended in small batches. It’s a traditional take with careful aging, bottled at the typical 40% ABV.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? I think so—it fits nicely into that zone between daily pour and special occasion. It’s not demanding, but it offers enough depth to hold attention. Is it suitable for someone new to Cognac? Absolutely. The smoothness, lack of alcohol heat, and gentle balance make it very welcoming. What kind of moment does this suit? For me, it worked best after dinner, unhurried, served neat in a tulip glass. How does it compare to other Grande Champagne Cognacs I’ve tried? It may not quite match the finesse of higher-end bottles from long-established houses, but it gets close enough for the price—and that counts for a lot.