PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Camus is one of the last major independent, family-owned Cognac houses, run by five generations of the same family, and it has built its modern identity on a single idea: Cognac that smells as intensely of fruit and flowers as it can. The “Intensity” range, launched in 2019, comes from a distillation method developed at Camus, in which the house selects the most aromatic fractions of the “heads” during the second distillation. As Forbes put it, “Camus’s sourcing of grapes from Borderies, as well as its distillation protocol, results in a Cognac that has measurably higher levels of the esters and terpenes which give the spirit its floral and fruity aromas and flavors.”
The XO is the top of that range: a blend of Camus’s finest eaux-de-vie, including spirits from its own acreage in the Borderies, the smallest and oldest of the Cognac crus, known for floral, violet-scented, round Cognacs. It’s aged at least ten years, and the house finishes the blend in re-toasted Cognac barrels, which adds spiced and toasted flavors. It’s bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof).
Camus’s tasting note: “On the nose, Camus XO contains savoury aromas of bitter apricot and oranges, as well as notes of exotic fruit and a dash of deep cacao. Its character then gradually evolves towards spiced and toasted flavors, which come from the finishing process inside re-toasted cognac barrels. Lastly, it leaves with a long and intense finish, full of dark aromas of vanilla and cinnamon, drawn from the cognac’s long maturation inside the oak casks.” Forbes’ Joe Micallef found “vanilla, butterscotch, hazelnut and oak, and a hint of milk chocolate,” with “candied cherry, dried apricot and orange marmalade,” and “a finish that is exceptionally long, featuring dried fruit and roasted nuts, along with some chocolate and coffee notes.”
No independent scores were found for this blend. It’s a distinctive style of XO: lighter, fruitier, and more floral than the heavy, oaky, rancio-driven XOs from the big houses, and a natural fit for customers who want an aromatic Cognac for sipping that also works in a cocktail. Enjoy it neat in a tulip glass, or over a large cube, or in a Sazerac or a Sidecar, where it adds a fruity lift.
Camus XO Intensely Aromatic Cognac is produced by Camus Cognac in Cognac, France (family-owned, five generations), a blend of the house’s finest eaux-de-vie, including spirits from the Camus family’s Borderies vineyards, distilled by the “Intensity” method (selecting the most aromatic fractions of the second distillation), aged at least 10 years in oak and finished in re-toasted barrels. 40% ABV / 80 proof, 750ml.
No professional scores were found for this blend.
Joe Micallef, Forbes (on the Intensely Aromatic range):
“Like its younger siblings, this is an exceptionally aromatic cognac. The XO is a blend of Camus’ finest distillates, including spirits drawn from its own Borderies acreage. There are additional notes of vanilla, butterscotch, hazelnut and oak, and a hint of milk chocolate. It features notes of candied cherry, dried apricot and orange marmalade. The finish is exceptionally long, featuring dried fruit and roasted nuts, along with some chocolate and coffee notes.”
Camus (tasting notes):
“On the nose the Camus XO contains savoury aromas of bitter apricot and oranges, as well as notes of exotic fruit and a dash of deep cacao. Its character then gradually evolves towards spiced and toasted flavors... a long and intense finish, full of dark aromas of vanilla and cinnamon.”
Nose
Savory bitter apricot and orange, with exotic fruit, deep cacao, vanilla, and butterscotch.
Palate
Evolving from candied cherry and dried apricot to spice and toast, with hazelnut, orange marmalade, and milk chocolate.
Finish
Exceptionally long, with vanilla, cinnamon, dried fruit, roasted nuts, chocolate, and coffee.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | XO Cognac — Blended, “Intensity” Range |
| ABV / Proof | 40% ABV / 80 Proof |
| Age | At least 10 years |
| Sourcing | The house’s finest eaux-de-vie, including Camus’s own Borderies vineyards |
| Distillation | “Intensity” method — most aromatic fractions of the second distillation |
| Finish | Re-toasted Cognac barrels |
| Producer | Camus Cognac — family-owned, five generations |
| Critics | No scores found for this blend (the separate Borderies XO scored 97, Wine Enthusiast) |
| Style / Identity | An aromatic, fruity, floral, spiced XO Cognac with apricot, orange, and cacao |
| Aromas & Flavors | Bitter apricot, orange, exotic fruit, cacao, butterscotch, hazelnut, vanilla, cinnamon |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Neat in a tulip glass — at room temperature, to taste the aromatics.
Sazerac or Sidecar — a fruit-forward, fragrant version.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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