XXO Cognac, or “Extra Extra Old” Cognac, is a relatively new and ultra-premium classification introduced by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC) in 2018, designating blends where the youngest eau-de-vie has been aged in oak barrels for at least 14 years. Originating from the Cognac region of France and crafted primarily from Ugni Blanc grapes, XXO undergoes the same meticulous double distillation in copper stills as other Cognacs, followed by extended maturation in French oak—often from Limousin or Tronçais forests—resulting in an exceptionally rich, dark spirit. This prolonged aging yields intense, layered flavors such as candied fruit, roasted nuts, exotic spices, and a pronounced rancio, a nutty, earthy note unique to long-aged Cognacs, setting it apart from XO (10+ years). Rare and luxurious, XXO is savored neat in a snifter glass, often warmed by hand to enhance its complex bouquet, with brands like Hennessy and Martell offering limited releases that command high prices and appeal to collectors and aficionados seeking the pinnacle of Cognac’s depth and refinement.
