The history of Courvoisier dates back to the early 19th century when Emmanuel Courvoisier and Louis Gallois operated a wine and spirit merchant company in Bercy, a suburb of Paris. In 1811, Napoleon visited their warehouses in Bercy and was hosted by Gallois and Courvoisier. There is a famous tale that Napoleon took several barrels of cognac with him to St Helena. Following this, in 1843, Emmanuel's son Felix established the Courvoisier business in Jarnac with Jules Gallois. After Felix's death in 1866, the Curlier brothers took over the business. In 1869, Courvoisier Cognac was granted the title of "Official Supplier to the Imperial Court" by Napoleon III, which solidified its reputation as the finest cognac available. A display in the Courvoisier museum in Jarnac showcases this certificate along with various Napoleonic artifacts. In 1909, the Simon family from England took over the business and played a significant role in shaping the brand and its global reputation. They introduced the iconic Napoleon silhouette and the Josephine bottle in 1950, both of which are now internationally recognized. Today, Courvoisier Cognac is owned by Jim Beam Global but maintains the high standards set by its founder 200 years ago. Courvoisier XO Imperial is a blend of very old cognacs that result in a rich and complex product. It has a harmonious character with intense flavors. The tasting notes describe it as intensely aromatic and flavorful with a velvety texture and a bouquet that includes hints of orange, apricot, and pear. It is also noted for its richness and complexity, with aromas of chocolate, vanilla, and amber, complemented by exotic and bakery spices from the old Borderies. The finish is described as long and mellow with great depth and a gradual development of flavors.