Let’s change things up. This past weekend, we celebrated a special memory by opening some Remy Martin XO cognac. What better opportunity to look at this well-known premium cognac?
Remy Martin is a French firm that mainly produces and sells cognac. It was founded in 1724 by Remy Martin. He was a vintner by trade, and in 1724, he created a cognac trading house. On his death in 1773, the business passed to his grandson.
The company is based in the Cognac region of France. It is among the oldest cognac producers and one of the “big four” houses (with Hennessy, Courvoisier, and Martell). Between them, they produce most of the world’s cognac. The brand is owned by the spirits conglomerate Rémy Cointreau.
Remy Martin XO cognac was created by cellar master André Giraud in 1981. XO is a blend of up to 400 eaux-de-vie aged for at least 10 years. The eaux-de-vie is double distilled and then decanted into Limousin oak casks. Limousin oak has a large and open grain, which imparts a rich vanilla flavour to the cognac.
The spirit that makes up the XO is mainly from the Grande Champagne region (85%), with the remaining from the Petite Champagne region. I broke down the different ageing categories of cognac in my blog post on Bisquit & Dubouché VS Cognac.
Remy Cointreau’s other products include Cointreau triple sec, Mount Gay rum, and The Botanist gin. They also own the Bruichladdich distillery.
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Remy Martin Cognac Review
REGION: Cognac, France
ABV: 40%
COLOUR: Mahogany with opal tones.
NOSE: Rich with ripe summer fruits, caramel and a nutty creaminess. A fruit salad of plums and figs drizzled with honey and vanilla. There are hints of dates with orange blossoms and soft spices.
PALATE: On the palate, the Remy Martin XO brings more ripe fruit mixed with honey. Smooth and complex, this cognac brings grapes and plums overlayed with vanilla and cinnamon. A nutty creaminess coats your mouth with hints of fresh flowers. Freshly baked gingerbread and oak. Smooth and full-bodied. Just perfect.
FINISH: The finish is long and lingering with creamy oak, caramel and vanilla mixed with soft spices.<
RATING: DIVINE
The Remy Martin XO is the cognac that always makes John smile. It is perfectly balanced and smooth. The rich fruity notes create a soft canvas for the honey, vanilla, oak, and floral notes.
A cheese soufflé will pair lovely with this smooth and well-balanced cognac. Some parma-wrapped melon will also be a great fit. The Remy Martin XO cognac is available on Amazon and retail for around £145.
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