Hardly a household name in America, Emperor’s is slowly stretching its legs into our shores. We had a chance to try the company’s Giorgio G XO cognac, a 35-year-old blend of over 70 eaux de vie from Grande Champagne.

The results are a success. A tabby orange spirit, Giorgio G XO is lush with orange citrus character, perfectly balanced between silky sweet and very lightly bitter. Cocoa notes come in on the finish, making this a perfect after-dinner libation. Think of orange-flavored chocolate candy and you’ve nailed this cognac. But best of all is the XO’s smoothness. There is no heat, no bite at all, as the time in cask has mellowed out the spirit and brought everything into balance.

Amazingly, this is the company’s entry-level cognac: Its additional two expressions are both 50 years old and, I imagine, quite the experience. Bring your billfold. (It isn’t sold at retail, only through auctions, clubs, and private transactions.)

80 proof.

A / $NA

Emperor's Brand Giorgio G XO Limited Edition Cognac

0.00

9.5

Rating

9.5/10