Sazerac de Forge XO Cognac

Sazerac de Forge XO Cognac is a refined, modern revival of a historic Cognac house that once supplied spirits to Europe and the early United States in the late 18th century. Rich, silky, and fruit-forward, this Extra Old Cognac blends mature eaux-de-vie aged for more than two decades in French oak. The result is an elegant spirit filled with vibrant citrus, tropical fruit, toasted nuts, and warm spice—an approachable yet sophisticated Cognac that bridges historic tradition with contemporary craftsmanship.

Origins & Craftsmanship
The Cognac house Sazerac de Forge & Fils was originally founded in 1782 by Bernard Sazerac de Forge in the Cognac region of France. The house developed a strong reputation for exporting Cognac to the United States before disappearing in the late 19th century following the devastating phylloxera epidemic that destroyed many vineyards.

The brand was revived in recent years by the Sazerac Company, which restored the historic estate at Segonzac in the Grande Champagne region, the premier cru of Cognac. The goal of the revival is to recreate Cognacs that reflect the diversity and character of traditional pre-phylloxera production methods while using carefully curated aged stocks from across the region.

The XO expression serves as the flagship of the modern Sazerac de Forge lineup. It is crafted from a blend of mature eaux-de-vie aged well beyond the legal XO minimum of 10 years, with some components exceeding 20 years of maturation in French oak barrels.

Key production details include:

• Age: XO classification (minimum 10 years; components exceeding 20 years)

• Maturation: Long aging in French oak barrels

• ABV: 43% (86 proof)

• Style: Blended Cognac designed as the core expression of the revived house

This extended maturation develops deep fruit complexity and elegant spice while preserving the vibrant character typical of high-quality Cognac.

Critics Reviews

Professional tasting panels have praised the expression’s aromatic richness and balance.

• Whisky Advocate describes the Cognac as showing a “lovely nose” of toffee, marzipan, baked berries, toasted almonds, and floral rose-petal notes, followed by a palate bursting with citrus, tropical fruit, caramel, and spice.

While widely praised for its complexity and balance, widely published numeric critic scores are still limited for this relatively recent release.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Elegant aromas of toffee, marzipan, baked berries, toasted almonds, and floral rose petals, with hints of vanilla and warm spice.

Palate:
Silky and vibrant with orange, tangerine, mango, red berries, caramel, and nutty richness, balanced by subtle peppery spice.

Finish:
Long and warming with lingering citrus peel, cinnamon, and soft oak sweetness.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

While excellent neat, its vibrant fruit profile also works beautifully in classic Cognac cocktails.

Classic Sidecar

• 2 oz Sazerac de Forge XO Cognac

• ¾ oz orange liqueur

• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled coupe; garnish with an orange twist.

New Orleans Sazerac (Cognac Style)

• 2 oz Sazerac de Forge XO Cognac

• ¼ oz simple syrup

• 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters

• Absinthe rinse

Stir with ice and strain into an absinthe-rinsed glass; garnish with a lemon peel.