Cognac Review: Camus Elegance XO

I was asked recently if I would like to begin to review Brandy and Cognac here on my website. Some of the local importers apparently feel that theses spirits do not receive as much attention locally as they deserve. I did not really hesitate in my positive response, as it has always been my intention to continue to grow and learn as much as I can about all distilled spirits.

To kick things off, I have decided that the first review should be a Cognac from my collection, the Camus Elegance XO.

Camus is the last of the major Cognac Houses that is entirely family run, and the House has been ran that way for five generations. The construction of their Camus XO Elegance begins with a selection of different styles of eaux de vie in an effort to create a specific floral character suitable for the final Cognac. Specifically mentioned upon the Camus website are the eaux de vie from the Borderies Vineyards which are included in the blend. The distilled spirit is aged in cool damp cellars until the eau de vie reach perfect maturity.

The ages of the eaux de vie in the Camus XO Elegance blend must be a minimum of six years, although it is reported that some of the eaux de vie in the Elegance XO blend have been matured much longer.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

“… The initial nose brings forward fresh oak featuring fresh woody notes interspersed with oak spices. Vanilla and almond rise from the glass as well with hints of orange peel and canned apricots weaving into the breezes. There is a fruity vibrancy to the nose which is appealing… “

You may read my full review here:

Please enjoy my first Cognac Review!