Merlet XO Cognac 750ml

Merlet has been distilling Cognac for merchant houses since 1850, and the family's own XO blend, crafted by Gilles Merlet alongside his two sons, Pierre and Luc, represents five generations of that accumulated expertise. The estate spans the Fins Bois and Borderies terroirs directly, and the family works with a broader network of local winegrowers to source and distill eaux-de-vie from crus across the wider Cognac region — primarily Fins Bois, Petite Champagne, and Grande Champagne for this particular blend. Every eau-de-vie is distilled on-site before resting a minimum of ten years in the family's own cherished cellars, developing what the Merlets themselves simply call a "characteristically Merlet" fruity, aromatic style.

The presentation is genuinely luxurious — the bottle carries the family's own coat of arms embossed directly into the glass, wrapped in a leather-like label in deep brown and gold, finished with a golden stopper. Wine Enthusiast's Kara Newman awarded 92 Points in one tasting, describing "the hazelnut aroma" as suggesting "a rich, sweet brandy," though noting "the palate is surprisingly light and delicate," with "initial nutty, fudgy notes" quickly giving way "to lively orange peel and spice, finishing with an elegant hint of violet." A separate Wine Enthusiast tasting by Newman, of a different batch, found "a dark gold hue and aromas of golden raisin and almond," the palate opening "with baked apple, baked pear and cinnamon bun, finishing long and mouthwateringly spiced with a burst of intense alcohol heat." The blend also earned 95/100 in Wine Enthusiast's own Top 100 Spirits of 2017, specifically praised for its "elegant notes of violet, lively orange peel and a spicy undercurrent."

Merlet's own official tasting notes describe "dark brown with golden tinges" in color, the nose "rich and complex, with an ample aromatic range that goes from orange peel and vanilla to white flowers," the palate "clean, then round and ample, with fine woodiness," the fruit notes "clear and lasting." The Whisky Exchange's tasting confirms "subtle notes of peach, apricot and sweet white grapes, with a spicy undercurrent of ginger, black pepper and oak." One independent taster on Cognac Expert found real value in the bottle directly: "the palate is initially soft but starts to open up big time with good fruit elements and hints of oak. After a few minutes in a snifter the palate becomes richer with light caramel notes... GREAT VALUE. Other X.O.s go for $180++." This is genuinely well-reviewed, elegant Cognac from a family with more than 170 years of distilling expertise behind it.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Merlet XO Cognac is produced by Distillerie Merlet, a family Cognac house that has distilled for merchant houses since 1850, now guided by Gilles Merlet and his two sons, Pierre and Luc — the fifth generation of Merlet Distillers. The estate spans the Fins Bois and Borderies terroirs, with the family working alongside a broader network of local winegrowers across the region to source eaux-de-vie for this specific blend, drawn primarily from Fins Bois, Petite Champagne, and Grande Champagne.

Every eau-de-vie is distilled on-site before aging a minimum of ten years in the family's own cellars. The blend earned 95/100 in Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Spirits of 2017. Bottled at 40% ABV, 750ml.

Critics Reviews

Kara Newman, Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points:
"The hazelnut aroma suggests a rich, sweet brandy, however the palate is surprisingly light and delicate. Initial nutty, fudgy notes quickly give way to lively orange peel and spice, finishing with an elegant hint of violet."

Kara Newman, Wine Enthusiast (separate tasting):
"Look for a dark gold hue and aromas of golden raisin and almond. The palate opens with baked apple, baked pear and cinnamon bun, finishing long and mouthwateringly spiced with a burst of intense alcohol heat."

Wine Enthusiast — 95/100, Top 100 Spirits 2017:
"Praised for its elegant notes of violet, lively orange peel and a spicy undercurrent."

The Whisky Exchange (official tasting note):
"A fruity, spicy Cognac, Merlet XO is a blend of eaux-de-vie, matured in French oak casks for at least ten years. The palate offers subtle notes of peach, apricot and sweet white grapes, with a spicy undercurrent of ginger, black pepper and oak."

Merlet (official tasting note):
"Colour: Dark brown with golden tinges. Nose: Rich and complex, with an ample aromatic range that goes from orange peel and vanilla to white flowers. Palate: Clean, then round and ample, with fine woodiness. The fruit notes are clear and lasting."

Cognac Expert community review:
"The nose shows light floral elements with hints of oak coming through. The palate is initially soft but starts to open up big time with good fruit elements and hints of oak. After a few minutes in a snifter the palate becomes richer with light caramel notes. The finish after a few minutes in the glass becomes richer, smoother and very enjoyable. GREAT VALUE. Other X.O.s go for $180++."

Tasting Profile

Nose
Dark brown with golden tinges. Rich and complex, with orange peel and vanilla leading into white florals, alongside hazelnut, golden raisin, and almond.

Palate
Round and ample, with fine woodiness, delivering peach, apricot, and sweet white grape, developing baked apple, baked pear, cinnamon, and nutty, fudgy notes, spiced with ginger and black pepper.

Finish
Long, spiced, and elegant, closing with lively orange peel, a hint of violet, and lingering warmth.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Dark chocolate desserts
• Aged, nutty cheeses
• Dried fruit and nut boards
• Fruit tarts

Serving Note

Best enjoyed neat, in a snifter, allowing a few minutes to open before tasting — the palate genuinely develops with air.