In this blog, we will be taking a closer look at the oldest and newest official age classification, that of XXO Cognacs. Continue reading to find out how the category came to be, which producers have crafted Cognacs that officially bear the classification, and what our Cognac Expert customers think of each of the XXO offerings.
How XXO Cognacs came to be
This story began all the way back in 1872, when Hennessy invented the concept of the XO Cognac. Their classification was soon adopted by the region and the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC), who act as the decision making body for Cognac and decide on the regulations surrounding the French Brandy, to describe Cognacs aged for more than six years.
Fast forward to 2017, and Hennessy was once again looking to change the rules of the game with the launch of a new and prestigious Cognac, marketed as an XXO meaning Extra Extra Old. This marketing technique was used to express the significant age difference between its latest offering and the highest official age category at the time, XO.
However, this bold move sparked controversy with the BNIC as XXO was not an officially recognized classification and the BNIC considered the terminology to be too similar to XO, therefore confusing customers. As a result, the sale of Hennessy’s XXO Cognac was suspended, but the saga continued.
Hennessy was not going to back down from having its newest age category recognized and appealed to the BNIC for it to be included in the official regulations. At the time, the BNIC already had plans in place to change the classification for XO Cognac in April of 2018, with the minimum age increasing from six years to 10. Surprisingly, Hennessy was both successful and incredibly fast-acting in its appeal and the XXO classification was also recognized as an official category in 2018, with it representing Cognacs aged for a minimum of 14 years.
XXOs on the market
Since the introduction of the XXO category, a handful of other producers have brought out Cognacs bearing the classification. The XXO terminology does technically apply to any Cognac above 14 years of age, however, only a small number of houses have actually chosen to name their Cognacs as such. Settle in as we run you through the officially labeled XXO Cognacs and what our Cognac Expert customers thought of them.
Domaine Landreau XXO Cognac
Domaine Landreau XXO Cognac is an estate-produced expression that highlights long ageing and a clearly defined house style. Crafted from carefully selected eaux-de-vie and matured well beyond the minimum XXO requirements, this Cognac presents a structured and expressive profile. The nose opens with notes of dried fruits, toasted oak, and gentle spice, followed by hints of vanilla and walnut. On the palate, the texture is rounded and steady, with flavours of stewed fruit, soft tannins, and subtle wood influence developing gradually. The finish is persistent and balanced, making this XXO a thoughtful choice for slow, attentive tasting.
Discover Domaine Landreau XXO Cognac for a composed and mature interpretation of the XXO category.
Le Réviseur XXO Single Estate Cognac
Le Réviseur XXO Single Estate Cognac is produced exclusively from estate-grown grapes, offering a clear expression of terroir and extended ageing. Distilled and aged under the same ownership, this Cognac reflects consistency and depth rather than intensity. Aromas lean toward ripe orchard fruits, floral tones, and soft spice, supported by restrained oak. The palate is smooth and elegant, with layered notes of dried fruit, gentle sweetness, and a controlled wood presence. The long finish carries subtle warmth and balance, reinforcing its character as a refined, estate-focused XXO.
Explore Le Réviseur XXO Single Estate Cognac for a terroir-driven and carefully aged expression.
Raynaud La Légende XXO 2009 Cognac
Raynaud La Légende XXO 2009 Cognac brings together long-aged eaux-de-vie with a clearly stated vintage, offering a precise snapshot of maturation over time. Distilled in 2009 and aged well into the XXO category, this Cognac shows depth without heaviness. The nose reveals dried fruits, baking spices, and soft oak notes, while the palate unfolds with flavours of fig, toasted almond, and mild spice. The structure is composed and steady, with a lingering finish that reflects careful ageing and measured blending.
Experience Raynaud La Légende XXO 2009 Cognac for a vintage-led approach to extended ageing.
Telesma XXO Fins Bois Cognac
Telesma XXO Fins Bois Cognac represents the most mature expression in the house’s range, sourced exclusively from the Fins Bois cru. Long ageing brings forward a rich aromatic profile, with notes of ripe fruit, cocoa, cedar, and gentle earthy tones on the nose. On the palate, it is full-bodied and smooth, offering flavours of dried fruit, roasted nuts, and soft spice layered with polished oak. The finish is long and warming, reflecting both the cru’s generosity and extended time in cask.
Choose Telesma XXO Fins Bois Cognac for a bold and mature expression from a single cru.
Dupuy Prestige XXO Cognac
Dupuy Prestige XXO Cognac is positioned as a premium expression within the house’s range, built around well-aged eaux-de-vie selected for depth and balance. The nose is marked by dried fruits, light spice, and oak-derived notes, while the palate shows a rounded structure with flavours of fig, toasted wood, and gentle sweetness. The extended finish delivers warmth and persistence without excess, making this XXO approachable while still clearly shaped by long maturation.
Discover Dupuy Prestige XXO Cognac for a composed and accessible take on extended ageing.
Louis Royer XXO Cognac
Louis Royer XXO Cognac reflects the house’s traditional approach to long ageing, resulting in a robust yet controlled profile. The nose offers notes of dried fruits, leather, and subtle spice, followed by a palate that combines depth with smoothness. Flavours of prune, oak, and mild sweetness develop gradually, supported by a firm structure. The finish is long and steady, highlighting the influence of extended barrel ageing without overshadowing the underlying spirit.
Explore Louis Royer XXO Cognac for a classic and structured expression of the XXO category.
Braastad XXO Cognac
Braastad XXO Cognac is a carefully assembled blend of long-aged eaux-de-vie from multiple crus, aged significantly beyond the XXO minimum. The nose is expressive, showing spice, dried fruit, and hints of almond and floral notes. On the palate, it delivers a layered profile with flavours of fig, muscat grape, tobacco, and oak, supported by a smooth and weighty texture. The finish is long and composed, with lingering nutty and woody tones.
Discover Braastad XXO Cognac for a multi-cru blend shaped by extended ageing.
Martell XXO Cellar Master Creation N°3 Cognac
Martell XXO Cellar Master Creation N°3 Cognac is a limited-release expression created with a strong focus on the Borderies cru. The aromatic profile is refined and precise, offering floral notes, dried fruit, and gentle nuttiness. The palate is polished and well-balanced, with soft texture and subtle complexity rather than power. The finish is elegant and persistent, reflecting the house’s distinctive style and the cellar master’s selection.
Experience Martell XXO Cellar Master Creation N°3 Cognac for a refined and terroir-focused XXO.
Moreau XXO Héritage Cognac
Moreau XXO Héritage Cognac is produced in limited quantities and aged extensively in traditional oak, resulting in a measured and mature profile. The nose presents floral notes, vanilla, and dried fruit, while the palate remains supple and rounded with gentle sweetness and restrained wood influence. The overall impression is calm and cohesive, with a smooth finish that highlights balance rather than intensity.
Discover Moreau XXO Héritage Cognac for a quietly expressive and well-aged XXO.
Hennessy XXO Hors d’Age Cognac
According to our customers, Hennessy not only did it first, but they also did it best, with its XXO being the favorite amongst the Cognac Expert community. For this well-aged Cognac the renowned house blended a selection of its finest eaux-de-vie from its extensive collection, with some of the spirits in the blend having been aged for more than 50 years.
The end result is a rich, expressive masterpiece with notes of bitter orange, freshly grated nutmeg, licorice, peppermint leaf, and delicate spices.
What do our customers say?
Tan says: Hard to describe the unique taste and smell. Just with a sip from my experience with the cognacs, I would say “amazing!” Then the second sip is when it’s the best! Some have a strong kick, some are just extremely smooth. I wouldn’t say I’m an expert. But it’s blessing to be able to experience these aged cognac.
Hennessy’s XXO has been given a rating of 90/100 by our customers, ranking it as exceptional and another reviewer even stated that it was the “finest Cognac” they had ever tasted.
Waste no time in purchasing your own Hennessy XXO on our shop and experiencing the finesse that this eaux-de-vie has to offer.
Monnet XXO Cognac
Also on the list is the XXO from Monnet which received a silver medal at both the Meininger’s International Spirits Awards in 2021 and the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2019.
The Cognac presents aromas of mahogany and cedar, accompanied by notes of cherries, sweet blond tobacco, and subtle scents of undergrowth. The palate is incredibly round and immensely rich with flavors of gingerbread and cinnamon.
What do our customers say?
Wenge says: The bottle was opened at a family party:
My wife said that the liquor in the bottle was like ginger sugar water that Chinese people like to drink. After opening the special wooden bottle cap, it overflowed with rosin, cherry fruit, almond, and then tobacco leaves and a fragrance of grass after rain. It’s very attractive and full of mellow fragrance. It’s constantly changing from the tip of the tongue to the stomach. It feels sweet and moistening the throat. The aftertaste is gingerbread and precious wood incense. It’s a very good cognac.
Coming in at 89 points out of 100, one Cognac Expert customer noted how the characteristics of the eaux-de-vie “constantly changed from the tip of the tongue to the stomach.” This is an exceptional Cognac and an evolving aromatic experience that every connoisseur would want to encounter.
This is currently out of stock but will soon be available again. Sign up here to get notified.
Prunier XXO Cognac Family Series Number 1
Prunier’s first XXO also happens to be the first Cognac in its Family series, a collection of Cognacs produced in very small quantities. The XXO has been crafted from a blend of two vintage Cognacs, from the years 1992 and 1996. The vintage eaux-de-vie was sourced from the Fins Bois terroir and aged for a minimum of 14 years in dark, humid cellars on the Prunier family’s estate.
Delicate and complex aromas of orange peel, cedar, almond, and linden can be found in this blend which is also completely natural, having been reduced without interference or additives over time.
What do our customers say?
Richard says: Concentrated, rich, robust. A serious expression that has lovely fruit intensity, rancio, dried apricots and pears, chocolate and orange peel. Cask Strength but the intensity of flavours carry the alcohol well through the palate which is smooth and moorish. Certainly a great spirit, well defined and at such a small bottling is an seriously good value as well.
Our Cognac Expert customers ranked Prunier’s XXO at 94/100, and described the bottle as “a serious expression.” With only 500 bottles of this eaux-de-vie having been produced, experiencing its captivating flavors is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is now over. But luckily Prunier just launched their second series of their XXO. Read more about it below.
Prunier XXO Cognac Family Series Number 2
After the first Prunier XXO of its series being such a gem, the family-run cognac house launched the second batch of the series.
Highly round and rich it really is an elevated cognac. The aromas are extremely expressive and inviting that anyone can get along with. Read the full story about this excellent cognac and find out about its tasting notes in our dedicated blog post: Prunier XXO Family Series Number 002.
Martell Chanteloup XXO Cognac
Martell, one the big four Cognac houses, entered into the XXO market with its Chanteloup Cognac, crafted from an impressive collection of 450 eaux-de-vie. The Martell Chanteloup XXO Cognac is the epitome of blending prowess, as eaux-de-vie from Borderies, Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, and Fins Bois have been seamlessly woven together.
It delivers a harmonious offering of honey, vine peach, apricot, fig, almonds, and walnut aromas.
What do our customers say?
William says: Nice balanced Cognac. Pick up a lot of different fruit notes on the nose – peach and fog. Extremely pleasant. First hit on the palette is slightly sweet similar to the nose – a touch sweeter than I like but transitions quickly to a burst of fruit flavors and complexity with almonds. Stays mild. Aftertaste is my favorite – long and pleasant begging you to taste more. Extreme value for XXO class.
Not only has this Cognac received gold and silver awards, but our own customers also rated it 85/100 and one Martell Chanteloup review stated that it is “extreme value for an XXO”.
You can get this magnificent Martell Chanteloup on our shop now, and we would love to hear your thoughts on it.
Ragnaud Sabourin XXO Cognac
This Cognac marks the newest release in 2022 for this independent and family-owned Cognac house. The palate of Ragaud Sabourin’s first XXO is round and complex. Aromas of candied fruit, spices, and honey reflect the years it took to create this Grande Champagne Cognac. The finish blends long notes of toasted gingerbread with woody flavors.
This Cognac is highly recommended to taste Ragnaud Sabourin XXO Cognac.
Conte et Filles XXO Cognac
The female-led cognac brand Conte et Filles stepped their game up by adding an XXO to their range of grape-based wine and spirits. This delicious cognac was distilled without lees and mainly aged in red barrels to develop its fruity aromas.
Get yourself a bottle of this beautifully well-aged XXO Cognac now.
De Charville Frères XXO Cognac
Another XXO aged well above the requirements, this artisanal Cognac from De Charville Frères has spent more than a generation maturing. The considerable time spent in oak barrels has gifted it with a graceful rancio flavor, amongst other delectable aromas of candied lemon, wood, sweet hints of vanilla, and toasted notes.
This cognac has not received any reviews yet but who knows, maybe you’ll be the first to write one. Discover the De Charville Frères Extra Extra Old Cognac here.
Pierre Vallet XXO Cognac
The humble and family-run Cognac house of Pierre Vallet dipped its toes into the production of XXOs with this elegant offering which was aged for considerably longer than the required 14 years. This soft and delicate Cognac presents aromas of vanilla, plums, licorice, candied plums, and has a predominant rancio flavor to it.
Sign up now to receive notifications when this Pierre Vallet XXO is back in stock and be the first to review it.
Rody XXO
The house of Rody, which dates back to 1628 and resides in the premier cru of Grande Champagne, released a limited edition XXO intended for the most memorable of occasions. The blend is crafted from a wide selection of well-aged eaux-de-vie and the result is a seductive bouquet of ripe plums, dried fruit, licorice, and orange zest.
Delamain XXO Cognac
Delamain is a Cognac house with an incredibly old family tradition with roots dating back to the early 1600s. The house is unapologetic when selecting only the best eaux-de-vie from its suppliers. Now it also launched its XXO Grande Champagne Cognac.
Davidoff XXO Supreme Cognac
New on the market is the Davidoff XXO. It is another great example of the cognac house’s craftsmanship. The youngest eau-de-vie of this unique blend is at least 14 years old. Candied cherries and stewed fruit linger on the palate and make this cognac supreme, just like its name.
Head over to our shop to get yourself a bottle of Davidoff XXO Supreme.
ABK6 XXO Grande Champagne Cognac
A blissful unique blend of extra old eaux-de-vie. ABK6 XXO is composed of several eaux-de-vie from the Grande Champagne, aged for a minimum of 14 years which makes this an outstanding complex cognac.
Be one of the first to enjoy one of the newest XXOs there is and review this ABK6 XXO it today.
Raymond Ragnaud XXO Cognac
Unfortunately, this gem is already out of stock but it did mark one of the best XXO Cognacs there were. Bottled at 43% ABV from the Grande Champagne, this Cognac revealed an array of aromas.
Don’t miss out on signing up for an alert on its product detail page once the Raymond Ragnaud XXO Cognac will again be available.
What do our customers say?
Alex says: This an excellent example of perfectly matured Grande Champagne, featuring fantastic aroma, exceptional palate and very long finish. Quite expensive but among the best in it’s class… still a bargain! Share it with pride and with the very best of your friends!
Coutanseaux Aîné XXO Grande Champagne Cognac
The Coutanseaux Aîné XXO Grande Champagne Cognac is also a XXO Cognac from the Grande Champagne. It was aged for a minimum of 25 years. Full-bodied aromas of wood and spices make it a real taste experience.
Get this glass bottle that holds this precious Coutanseaux Aîné XXO Grande Champagne Cognac now here.
King Spirit XXO Cognac
Adorned with a gold-gilded lion’s head, the Kings Club XXO Cognac bottle is just as regal as the precious Grande Champagne spirit it holds within.
Unfortunately, this Cognac was discontinued in 2025; however, there are many other Cognacs in the same age category that you can still enjoy.
Comandon XXO Single Cask Grande Champagne Cognac
Eschewing the typical blending processes for mass production, Comandon prides itself on pioneering the single cask concept since 2009 and also launches this XXO Cognac to celebrate singularity.
Sadly, this Cognac was discontinued in 2025, but there is no shortage of other expressions in the same age category to explore.
Comte de Roffignac XXO Borderies Cognac
Olivier and Mathilde who lead the cognac house Comte de Roffignac today, are driven by challenges. They started the journey of reviving the Cognac house Comte de Roffignac with the launch of this XXO Cognac.
Be among one of the first ever to taste the Comte de Roffignac XXO Cognac.
Martell XXO Borderies Single Cru Collection Cognac
Sourced exclusively from the Borderies cru, this Martell XXO Borderies Single Cru Collection Cognac focuses on the extraordinary flavor and taste profile that the Borderies has to offer. It is Martell’s second XXO Cognac but still very unique.
Celebrate the 300-year history of Martell with this XXO Cognac from Martell’s new Single Cru Collection Special Edition here.
What about the other houses?
As you can see, although the official XXO category came into effect in 2018, four years later and it is still rather uncommon for producers to adopt this classification for their bottles. Perhaps as time goes on and more new and well-aged Cognacs hit the shelves, we will see a rise in products bearing the XXO label.
What is most surprising is the absence of a Remy Martin XXO, Courvoisier XXO & Camus XXO – we wonder why these leading Cognac houses haven’t taken advantage of the new marketing opportunity, or perhaps they’ve got something in the works. We’ll just have to wait and see!
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