What We Know
- Aged at least 10 years, but small percentages of older stocks are included
- Borderies, blend
- Distilled on the lees
- Ugni Blanc
- Limousin oak used for aging
- 40% ABV
- Additives: Sugar and caramel, boisé unconfirmed
- San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2016 and 2017 Gold Medal, International Spirits Challenge 2017 Gold Medal, and the IWSC 2015 Gold Medal, and Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2020 95 Points (Ultimate Recommendation)
Nose
Vanilla, clove/cinnamon, ginger, violets, lilac, milk chocolate, leather, black tea, hazelnuts, cream, tobacco leaf, dirt road, dates, pear, lemon/orange, peach, raisins, tropical fruits, cream sherry
Palate
Caramel, honey, cinnamon/nutmeg, coconut, fruit blossom, coffee, leather, black tea, almond/hazelnut, limestone, orange zest, dried mango, pineapple, brown butter, flaky pastry
Finish
Violets return with a pronounced nuttiness and dried fruits linger at the end
Overall Thoughts
Great color of dark copper with mahogany undertones. This Cognac is very floral bringing violets and lilac on the nose. That’s typical of Borderies and it shows here nicely. There are some wonderful earthy tones like tobacco leaf and minerals that contrast bright fruits like pears, peaches, and dates. It definitely leans heavier towards dried fruits rather than fresh, though there’s still a freshness to it. Cream sherry and cream itself come to mind, as well.
On the palate it’s soft and coats your mouth well with browned butter and rich pastry. It really hits on the sides of your tongue. The flowers aren’t as center stage as on the nose. There’s a great nutty, caramel, and honey flavor. Dried fruits like coconut and mango pop up and are balanced with soft barrel spices. The finish is where we see the violets return, complimented by hazelnuts and almonds.
Camus Borderies XO is a wonderful expression. You get a really nice representation of what Borderies is about. Camus manages to let their older offerings show lively fruitiness that you would expect from something younger. Nothing in the glass was overpowering or at the forefront. It’s balanced and offers great variety in flavors.
Something that’s perhaps overlooked at times is the weight of a spirit. How does it feel in your mouth? Does it activate all the parts of your tongue and taste buds? I think the Camus Borderies XO does a wonderful job of really sitting on your palate. It’s not shy about saying what it is. I would definitely recommend this XO to be put up next to other well-known brands. If you have a friend that has “their brand” and doesn’t drink anything else, try this on them for fun. Chances are they could branch out after try this.
Check out more information about Camus by clicking HERE.
