Normandin-Mercier Grande Champagne 30 Years Old XO Cognac

40% ABV, 750ml, 30 years minimum age
Full and soft spirit with a certain ardor thanks to its ageing in "red barrels."

Since 1872, five generations have contributed to the development of the prestigious Normandin-Mercier Cognacs. The family has build its fame by perfecting the art of blending and ageing cognacs in an exceptional geographical site on their estate, the Domaine de La Péraudière.

Normandin Mercier cognacs are made with about 90% Ugni Blanc, and 10% of Colombard and Folle Blanche, a very rare and unique blend compared to other cognacs.

Normandin Mercier cognacs are matured in the family chateau’s traditional cellars near the town of La Rochelle, the historic medieval port that made Cognac famous many centuries ago. The proximity of the ocean, the natural regulation of hygrometry and oceanic temperature all favor the ageing of the cognacs, giving them fullness, elegance and a unique character.

The Production: 25,000 bottles per year

It’s important to note that Normandin-Mercier cognacs contain no artificial coloring and are not subject to a cold filtration in order to preserve a total purity of the aromas and flavors.

Nose: dried fruits along with hazelnut and almonds, candied fruits, citrus fruits, cinnamon, vanilla, honey, and toffee.

Flavor: rancio (Porto), smoked, chocolate, cereal (brioche), vegetable (dry spices, light tobacco), Woody.

Mouth: ample and round. Complex, ample, elegant. To sample quietly.

REVIEWS
4 stars. Highly recommended. “Beautiful mahogany color; flawless clarity. First aromatic impressions are of old books/library, hard cheese, moss, and shiitake mushroom, which leads me to think “rancio”; secondary whiffs offer traces of lead pencil, flint, caramel custard/flan, egg white, baked apricot, and toffee. Entry is mineral-like and earthy dry at first, then the flavors open up by midpalate, going more towards breakfast cereal with dried fruit, pipe tobacco and nutmeg. Concludes medium long in the throat, biscuity, toffee-like, and gently ripe and sweet.” (Paul Pacult, The New Kindred Spirits, 2021)

91 points "Like candy in a glass, this bold brandy overflows with butterscotch and caramel notes and finishes with ginger, cinnamon and candied-lemon peel accents. A delectable pairing with crème brûlée or other creamy desserts, or poured over ice cream." (Wine Enthusiast, 2013)