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The Best Cognac XO from the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Cognac

Cognac XO (Extra Old) is where patience, craftsmanship, and complexity converge. Aged for a minimum of 10 years, these expressions showcase the full potential of well-matured eaux-de-vie—layered, refined, and endlessly sippable. At the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the XO category delivered an impressive array of styles, from velvety elegance to deep, smoky richness. These top selections stood out among the finest, offering a masterclass in long-aged Cognac.

Martell – Cordon Bleu XO

Martell continues to elevate its legacy through expressions that blend house tradition with refined artistry. Cordon Bleu XO is a standout among XOs, celebrated for its smooth structure and rich fruit-forward profile.

 This Cognac is luxurious yet approachable, offering warmth, texture, and signature Martell finesse. It’s a benchmark XO perfect for connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

Dried apple skin and juicy fig aromas unfold into a palate of the same, joined by soft leather and an ultra-smooth mouthfeel.

2025 SFWSC Judging Panel

Park Cognac – XO Cigar Blend

Designed with complexity and structure in mind, Park Cognac’s XO Cigar Blend is a bold, full-bodied Cognac created to stand up to the rich flavors of a fine cigar, but it shines just as brightly on its own. This is a Cognac of contrasts and balance - sweet and spicy, fruity and earthy. 

The nose opens with light honey, saffron, and gingerbread, woven with cranberry and vanilla. On the palate, dark chocolate, candied orange peel, and toffee lead into deeper notes of leather and roasted coffee. A long, warming finish lingers with a satisfying touch of oak.

2025 SFWSC Judging Panel

Hardy Cognac – Legend 1863

Hardy Cognac is synonymous with French elegance and heritage. Legend 1863 bridges history and modernity with a rich, layered expression that’s both fruit-driven and deeply comforting.

Ripe peaches, dried apricots, and orange zest lead into a full-bodied palate of caramelized almonds, vanilla, baked apple, and fig. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering honey, oak, and warming spice.

2025 SFWSC Judging Panel

A. De Fussigny – Cognac Extra Grande Champagne

A. De Fussigny delivers a powerhouse with Extra Grande Champagne, an elegant, terroir-driven spirit that showcases the best of the Grande Champagne cru.

Opens with elegant aromas of candied orange, cherry, and prune, lifted by warm pastry notes. On the palate, expect a honeyed texture and deep flavors of ripe plum, pear, and oak, with luxurious accents of vanilla, cocoa, and caramel. The finish is very long, offering lingering complexity and grace.

2025 SFWSC Judging Panel

Claude Châtelier – XO

Claude Châtelier brings sophistication and balance to its XO expression, combining classic Cognac charm with modern drinkability. This Cognac captures the elegance of tradition with a delicately floral bouquet and a soft yet structured finish.

The nose opens with delicate floral notes, honey, and vanilla. On the palate, fruit and oak intertwine in a graceful dance, delivering a smooth and expressive profile. The long-lasting finish leaves a lasting impression of the Cognac’s depth and character.

2025 SFWSC Judging Panel

The XO category once again proved to be one of the most captivating at this year’s competition. From Martell’s timeless lushness to Park’s bold cigar-ready blend, Hardy’s richly spiced elegance, and the refined craftsmanship of A. De Fussigny and Claude Châtelier - these Cognacs represent the very best of Extra Old expressions.

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