If you're new to this Cognac house, this super value for money André Petit XO Tres Rare Cognac would be a wonderful introduction. It is composed of eaux-de-vie that have been aged for around 25 years on average. Made with grapes grown in the Bon Bois terroir, it is complex, round, smooth, and has a wonderful taste of rancio. Family, tradition, and quality are what the house of Andre Petit stand for, and it really is apparent when it comes to this XO.
The extended aging period has made for a Cognac of a far higher quality than you'd expect from something that's labeled simply as an 'XO’. Composed with eaux-de-vie that have been created by the likes of Jacques Petit, his father and his grandfather, is perfectly underlines their family values. This Cognac has been produced following very old methods. The grapes are harvested by hand and distilled following the teachings of his grandparents. In the distillation, they do not use any machines to separate alcohol - they trust their noses alone.
This family producer are wine growers who develop a Cognac with a pronounced style following their feelings and tastes.
This is a delightful Cognac to enjoy as a digestif after a good meal. For the adventurous out there, try dropping in a couple of rocks of ice to release a different taste sensation. This would be a great addition to anyone who appreciates great Cognac, as most of the components aged for around 25 years, resulting in a much older Cognac than you'd expect for the cost. A great buy.
A simple bottle with gold detailing. Bottled at 40% ABV.
This was my first Bon Bois Cognac and what a pleasant surprise.
Colour is dark and inviting. The nose was softer and far more complex than I was expecting, vanilla and fruit abound. I would describe the style as "old school", it certainly packs a punch! I've tended to prefer Cognacs with softer finishes, not that I'd call this rough; rather, it's lively. A Cognac with some complexity and a nice finish to add to the enjoyment.
I'm pleased I bought this Cognac and have enjoyed experiencing something new. I intend to try other Cognacs from this house and possibly pay them a visit.
I love rough finishes, that's why I also love this XO. André Petit is one of my favorite Cognac producers, a fantastic guy who's worth to visit. Bon Bois Cognacs are always a little bit special, I like the character of this XO
The XO is something for a strong man, it has a good finish which give this particular Cognac something special - it's something to certainly explore if you are getting into Cognac. For me it revealed a new taste direction though. Not my go to - but I will certainly rebuy once empty
I really like this XO although the nose is a bit dry, the mouth is a nice fresh splash! The after taste is a bit rough but I prefer this compared to flat finishes.
This small family-run cognac producer from Berneuil insists that their cognac is not merely of standard quality. This can be validated by the fact that the Petit family works with traditional methods handed down form their grandparents and harvest the grapes manually. This is almost extinct in the cognac industry due to growing demand and the production of high quantities. André Petit came to some sort of fame in the industry by stopping their contract with Hennessy in the 1960s and deciding to produce themselves. Like many small producers from the Cognac region, they also specialize in the making of Pineau des Charentes.
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