A.E. Dor XO Cognac is a luxurious blend crafted from 60% Grande Champagne and 40% Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie, showcasing the exceptional terroir of these regions celebrated for their chalky soils. Aged for over 25 years, this Fine Champagne Cognac boasts a stunning mahogany hue with golden highlights and delivers a rich sensory experience. On the nose, expect a delicate bouquet of floral notes, honey, and grapevine aromas. The palate reveals a smooth, well-rounded body with evolving notes of honey, vine shoots, and subtle floral undertones, culminating in an elegant and enduring finish. Perfectly suited as a post-meal digestif, this XO Cognac is best enjoyed neat from a tulip glass to savor its evolving flavors. Encased in a classically styled bottle with vintage-inspired details, A.E. Dor XO Cognac exemplifies tradition and finesse, making it a cherished choice for connoisseurs worldwide.
Process & Profile
A.E. Dor XO Cognac is crafted using a blend of Fine Champagne eaux-de-vie, with 60% sourced from Grande Champagne and 40% from Petite Champagne. These regions are celebrated for chalky soils that yield exceptional grapes, the foundation of this cognac's finesse and complexity. Each batch undergoes a meticulous aging process of over 25 years in a combination of dry and humid cellars, a tradition that balances mellow sweetness with rich depth. French Limousin oak barrels, sized up to 500 liters, provide the perfect vessel for this long maturation, enhancing both character and flavor profile.
Tasting Notes
A.E. Dor XO is a sensory symphony that evolves with every sip:
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Nose: A complex bouquet featuring floral notes of spring blossoms, sweet honey, vine shoots, and grapevines, with hints of peach and rose.
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Palate: Layers of honey-roasted sweetness, a creamy smooth texture, and fresh floral undertones. Accents of orange, pear, nut, and even a touch of spice make this blend incredibly balanced.
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Finish: Long, warm, and luxurious, offering an elegant culmination of flavors that linger beautifully on the palate.
What Makes It Special
A.E. Dor XO Cognac stands apart thanks to its exceptional heritage and craftsmanship:
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Heritage of Excellence: Founded in 1858, A.E. Dor is renowned for preserving and crafting some of the finest, vintage cognacs in the world. Amédée-Edouard Dor's dedication to quality has left a legacy that endures to this day.
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Fine Champagne Blend: Its exclusive composition of Grande and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie ensures unparalleled finesse and complexity, with a rich floral character complemented by extended aging.
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Aging Expertise: A.E. Dor employs a masterful balance of humid and dry cellars, a rare practice that creates harmonious, rounded flavors while retaining depth and complexity.
How to Enjoy
To fully appreciate the nuanced elegance of A.E. Dor XO Cognac:
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Neat: Serve in a tulip glass to concentrate the aromas, gently warming it in your hand before sipping. This method brings out the full bouquet of flavors, making it an ideal digestif after a fine meal.
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Paired with a Cigar: Its depth and balance make it a perfect companion to a premium cigar, particularly for those seeking a sophisticated pairing experience.
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As a Gift: Elegantly presented in a vintage-style bottle with wax medallion and a cream-colored case, it makes an extraordinary gift for any cognac lover or collector.
A.E. Dor XO Cognac is the epitome of craftsmanship, offering a blend of tradition, innovation, and exceptional taste. Perfect for celebrations, moments of indulgence, or as a treasured addition to your collection, this XO Cognac promises to elevate your drinking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the composition of A.E. Dor XO Cognac?
A.E. Dor XO Cognac is crafted using a blend of 60% Grande Champagne and 40% Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie, ensuring a balanced and refined flavor profile reflective of these renowned cognac terroirs.
How old is A.E. Dor XO Cognac?
A.E. Dor XO is aged for a minimum of 25 years in oak barrels, significantly longer than the required 10 years for XO cognacs. This extended aging adds exceptional depth and complexity to its character.
What are the tasting notes of A.E. Dor XO Cognac?
On the nose, expect a complex bouquet featuring spring and summer blossoms, honey, and grapevine aromas. The palate is well-rounded, with subtle layers that continue to evolve, revealing notes of dried apricots, soft vanilla, and a faint trace of smoke. It has a smooth, lingering finish.
What makes A.E. Dor XO Cognac unique?
A.E. Dor XO is produced using eaux-de-vie sourced exclusively from chalky soils of the Fine Champagne region, promoting floral finesse and depth of flavor. Its meticulous aging techniques balance humidity and dryness in the cellars, resulting in a superlative and harmonious cognac.
How should A.E. Dor XO Cognac be served?
This cognac is best enjoyed from a tulip glass. Warm it slightly in your hand to release its aromatic bouquet, and savor it as a digestif after a fine meal. It also pairs excellently with select desserts or fine cigars.
What is the alcohol content of A.E. Dor XO Cognac?
The alcohol by volume (ABV) of A.E. Dor XO Cognac is 40%, which is standard for cognacs.
What inspired the A.E. Dor brand?
Founded in 1858 by Amédée-Edouard Dor, the brand has a rich history of crafting fine cognacs. Originally a négociant, Dor shifted to producing his own cognacs, preserving eaux-de-vie at their peak maturity. Today, the house continues this legacy by crafting exceptional cognacs with a global appeal.
What is the packaging like for A.E. Dor XO Cognac?
The bottle features a vintage design reminiscent of 19th-century styles, adorned with wax medallions and a vintage-style label. It comes in a cream-colored presentation box, making it an elegant gift.
How is cognac, such as A.E. Dor XO, made?
Cognac is produced from specific white grape varieties, primarily Ugni Blanc, which are fermented into wine and then double-distilled in copper pot stills. The resulting "eaux-de-vie" is aged in French oak barrels, allowing it to develop its signature flavors and aromas over time.
What are the ideal occasions to enjoy A.E. Dor XO Cognac?
This XO cognac is perfect for celebrations, gifting, or enjoying during relaxed evenings. Its rich, complex profile also makes it ideal for pairing with fine chocolates, cheeses, or cigars for an elevated experience.