Daniel Bouju Cognac Grande Champagne 1er Cru Empereur XO 25 Year Old

Daniel Bouju Empereur XO is a 100% Ugni Blanc Grande Champagne Cognac, drawn from eaux‑de‑vie aged at least 25 years in Limousin oak, with the first years in new barrels before long rest in older casks.

Mahogany‑amber in colour, it opens with a heady, evolving nose of nutmeg, clove, cinnamon and vanilla over concentrated candied fruits, especially prune, with touches of coffee, cigar box and toasted oak. The palate is full‑bodied, supple and powerful, layering rich dried and candied fruit with toasted spice, dark chocolate, leather and tobacco, carried by an intense Charentais rancio into a remarkably long, warming finish that begs to be savoured slowly, ideally neat and, for cigar lovers, alongside a serious smoke.