Winner!
This is a very good cognac for a very decent price.
Learn more about the different Cognac ages
Learn more about the different Cognac growth areas
Lavenat XO Cognac is a beautifully well-matured blend that spent an average of 30 years aging in French oak barrels - which is 20 years more than required for a Cognac to classify as XO quality. Talk about getting more than what you bargained for?
Produced in very small quantities, all of the Cognacs produced by Lavenat have been made with love and unquestionable passion. Fronted by Bernard Lavenat, who takes the role of the cellar master, Bernard doesn’t remember a day when Cognac production wasn’t at the centre of his world. His admirable enthusiasm and passion for the craft are embodied through each and every Cognac in his small collection of products.
Displayed in an emerald green frosted glass bottle, the form of the decanter is somewhat symbolic of a Champagne or sparkling wine bottle. Not to be confused with wine; however, this bottle contains a blend of 30-year-old eaux-de-vie. Adding to its opulent presence, golden foil decorates the neck of the bottle, while swirly typology marks its heritage and refined image.
An XO of such fine quality and esteemed age merits being served in its purest form - neat and at room temperature. Pour the precious nectar into a tulip glass and let it rest for a few minutes before taking your first sip. This way, the aromas will be given time to evolve and open up to their fullest potential.
| Grape variety | Ugni Blanc |
| Still size | 2 x 12.5 hL |
| Distillation | With the lees |
| Cellar conditions | Rather dry |
| Oak provenance | French oak |
| Oak grain and toast | Old oak casks |
| Additives | No colouring, no boisé, no additives |
| Cellar master | Bernard Lavenat |
| Status | Viticulteur and bouilleur de cru |
| Vineyard | 34 ha in Fins Bois |
| Founded | 1870 |
| Current generation | 6th generation |
| Oldest cognac in the cellar | 1940s |
Information confirmed by the producer.
Flavour profile
This is a very good cognac for a very decent price.
This is a very nice cognac. I like trying different brands to enjoy the great wide variety that cognac has to offer. This is a wonderful offering from Lavenat, I had been aware of. It is very dark amber on the eye with hints of gold. On the nose my main aroma was a crème brûlée, light spice and...
The colour is a beautiful shiny copper. On the nose baked apples, cacao together with fine spices and rancio (dried mushrooms). On the palate the cognac is mature, but also fresh on orchard fruits, dried fruits and chocolate with a lively acidity. The finish is medium to long on roasted nuts and...
The first smell is baked apples. Then, notes of caramel, wood, nuttiness, and a distant memory of very old high-quality plum brandy (like 20+ years). You can feel the age of the spirit, but there is also a certain very pleasant freshness that contributes to a very fine balance. Dried fruits and...
Only a long time feel flower after the tasting. I think that is the most unique Cognac I tested. Made with love.
An absolute winner...competes with BIG BRANDS easily. Not cheap but it is worth any penny. My wife prefers it to Hennessy XO and I know why...it lingers in your nose and has this unique cognac aftertaste, a very long one. An X0 in his own class,,,has to come to me again very soon....IMPRESSING! A...
Great exceptional Fins Bois cognac from a small producer who is passionate about his work ! Lots off spices.. wood.. dried fruit.. caramel.. apple pie.. brioche.. Delicious just relax in front of the fireplace and enjoy!
Earlier reserved in the nose it shows itself strong in the palate with a prolonged descent typically Fins Bois. (Translated from French) Original review: Plus tôt réservé dans le nez Il se montre fort au palais avec une descente prolongée typiquement Fins Bois.
Strong woody taste, really enjoyed this XO
Exceptional cognac for a price, delivers on every level. Rich and beautiful, will definitely recommend.
Set in the village of Bassac, Lavenat is a lesser-known Cognac brand and estate with a very limited online presence. Monsieur Lavenat is the man behind the brand, who pours his heart and soul into producing quality Cognacs which are usually sold at annual wine salon events. With so much passion and experience behind him, he remains very well connected with the region, priding himself on offering the very best quality products possible and cheerful service with a smile.