11 Must-Try Bottles of XO Cognac

Hine Cognac Antique XO blends together 40 eaux-de-vie, specifically from Grand Champagne grapes. This incredible Cognac has one of the finest, most dynamic tasting notes, including lemon, orange, vanilla, pear, caramel, candied fruits, and more. It's a burst of flavor while somehow remaining balanced and sophisticated.

The Frapin Château de Fontpinot XO has a range of bold flavors, including hazelnut, marzipan, and dried apricot, along with a candied fruit aroma. I love drinking this warm, smooth XO Cognac with a cigar. It's incredibly rich and complex, perfect for a special occasion or just to treat yourself.

Cognac Paul Giraud XO is another one that incorporates the dried apricot aromatic notes very well, along with hints of mandarin, vanilla, and cloves. You'll get oaky, toasty notes from almonds on the tongue, making it a warm and inviting drink for colder nights. 

I love drinking the Louis Royer XO Cognac when I'm craving powerful, intense flavors. It has notes of rancio, which refers to a balsamic-like flavor, as well as white peach and mirabelle plum, which create a romantic, warm feeling. It's incredibly smooth and fairly dry, perfect for a drink with your loved one.

The aromatic notes from Hennessy XO Cognac stand out to me the most. I love taking a whiff of figs, prunes, chocolate, cinnamon, black pepper, clove, and cardamom, especially in the fall and winter. The sweet cinnamon and vanilla notes on the finish help solidify this Cognac's mark on the holiday season. I enjoy sharing this with friends and family around the table after a big, festive meal.

I appreciate the silky-smooth texture of Hardy XO Rare Cognac, as it makes sipping this sweet and floral yet mature drink even more enjoyable. It's intriguing to the nose and the tongue, contrasting rose petals with cured tobacco for a truly dynamic touch.

Elderflower, dark chocolate, maple syrup, and rich oak are impressive notes in the Jean Fillioux Grande Réserve XO, as they work together to create a truly unique flavor profile. This one is a great pick for those who want something different, as its boldness and complexity make it stand out from the rest.

The Martell XO is the perfect Cognac for those who enjoy bold, spicy, and punchy flavors. It's also fantastic for people who like their Cognacs straight, as opposed to mixed. Sandalwood, walnut, and blackcurrant are the standout notes that give this Cognac a rich, full expression in the nostrils and on the tongue.

Another rich Cognac with a sophisticated finish is Courvoisier XO. This multi-award-winning beverage starts with elegant fruity notes from raisins and candied orange, delves into autumn floral notes, and finishes with a sweet yet subtle crème brûlée flavor. I like to sip this drink before dinner, as it heightens my senses and works well as a yummy appetizer.

Not only is Rémy Martin XO packaged in one of the most well-designed bottles out there, but it's also one of the most impressive Cognacs on the market. It shares many of the same notes as its peers on this list, such as candied orange, fig, and cinnamon, but has some unique additions like roasted cocoa beans, honey, jasmine, and ginger. The result is a Cognac that is smooth, dynamic, balanced, and perfect for just about any occasion.

The tobacco leaf, fig, and honey notes mixed with elements of tropical fruit make the Bache-Gabrielsen Natur & Eleganse XO Cognac a truly special drink. It's mellow and smooth with a slight sweetness from the stewed fruit aroma, making it a great Cognac for those who can appreciate a complex yet light beverage. It's perfect for after dinner or when you want something nice to share with your special someone.