Grande and Petit Champagne contribute to the finesse and character of this extraordinary XO Cognac. It is aged for a minimum of 25 years in both dry and humid cellars, resulting in a Cognac with remarkable depth and character. The texture is silky and the finish reminiscent of crème brûlée. The color is mahogany with gold highlights. The aroma is complex, with notes of spring and summer flowers, honey, and grapevines. On the palate, it is well-rounded and constantly evolving, with hints of spice, white flowers, summer berries, and citrus fruit leading to a long and well-balanced finish. A.E. Dor Cognac has a rich history, being one of the oldest houses in the region. It was founded in 1858 by Amédée-Edouard DOR, who started acquiring old stocks from other distilleries. When phylloxera became a problem in France in 1863, he intensified his efforts, knowing that the taste of cognac would change. His pursuit of good cognacs became his life's work, and he focused on acquiring the best quality cognacs, mainly from Grande Champagne. These cognacs were aged in oak barrels for up to 70 years and then transferred to glass containers and sealed with wax. Today, the A.E. Dor cellar, known as the "Paradise," contains numerous ancient vintages and is a living museum of Cognac history. The rare cognacs stored there are not just preserved but also form the foundation of A.E. Dor's premium cognacs. The A.E. Dor Cognac XO is made by maturing individual cognacs in oak barrels for at least 25 years, allowing them to develop exceptional and harmonious aromas. Although it is relatively young compared to other A.E. Dor cognacs, it showcases the quality that the legendary Reserves No. 6,7,8, and 9 offer. In terms of taste, the A.E. Dor Cognac XO initially reveals floral notes with hints of citrus peel in the bouquet. On the palate, it becomes more pronounced with flavors of peach, orange, rose, nut, and pear. Overall, it is well-balanced and complex, providing a great tasting experience. The finish is warm and inviting, making it a perfect pair with a pipe or cigar. Additionally, the A.E. Dor Cognac XO is visually impressive in its elegant carafe.