XO Cognac: the guide to choosing well

XO cognac, short for “Extra Old”, is the designation reserved for the longest-aged blends. This page explains what it guarantees, how to enjoy an XO and how to choose your bottle, then presents the Grande Champagne XO from the family-run house of Michel Forgeron in Segonzac.

What is an XO cognac?

Since April 2018, the youngest eau-de-vie in an XO blend must have spent at least 10 years in oak. In practice, the eaux-de-vie in an XO are often much older than that minimum. This long ageing gives a deep amber colour and aromas of candied fruit, spice, leather and sometimes rancio. For more detail, read our guide What does XO mean?

XO, VSOP or VS: what is the difference?

The designation shows the age of the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend. The higher it is, the richer and more complex the cognac. See the full guide: VS, VSOP, XO: what are the differences?

Designation Minimum age of the youngest eau-de-vie
VS 2 years
VSOP 4 years
XO 10 years

An XO is above all meant for sipping neat.

How to enjoy an XO cognac

Neat, at room temperature, in a tulip glass, giving the cognac time to open up. You will find our advice in the guide How to enjoy cognac.

Why choose a Grande Champagne XO?

Grande Champagne is the foremost of the six crus of the Cognac appellation. Its soft limestone soils yield fine eaux-de-vie, made for long ageing. Learn more: The six crus of cognac and Ageing of cognac.

Our Grande Champagne XO cognac

The Michel Forgeron XO Grande Champagne Cognac is a blend of cognacs aged 20 to 30 years in French oak casks, bottled at 45% ABV. It is produced in Segonzac by the family-run house of Michel Forgeron. Leather, spice and coffee on the nose, a round and supple palate.

Which size should you choose?

Michel Forgeron XO comes in five sizes, plus a 70 cl decanter. Prices are shown on the product page.

Size Best for
20 cl Discovering it, or as a small gift
50 cl Regular enjoyment for two
70 cl The reference size
70 cl decanter Giving as a gift or serving at the table
150 cl and 300 cl Large formats, for special occasions and collections

Frequently asked questions

How old is an XO cognac?

At least 10 years for the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend. Our Grande Champagne XO combines cognacs aged 20 to 30 years.

XO or VSOP: which should you choose?

VSOP (at least 4 years) is younger and livelier; XO (at least 10 years) offers more roundness and aromatic complexity. For sipping neat, XO is the natural choice.