In 1870, Maurice Hennessy created Hennessy X.O for his circle of friends and introduced a new style of cognac.  Hennessy X.O is the Original, the emblematic icon of the Hennessy Maison. Deep and powerful, the eaux-de-vie of this Hennessy X.O cognac are aged in young barrels and marked out by their power and energy, but also by their capacity to achieve a great roundness through time. Our Tasting Committee has explored every facet of the blend and identified several emotions that were assimilated to an Odyssey through 7 chapters: 

Tasting Notes

Sweet Notes: The palate is warmly embraced by flavors of candied fruit.

Rising Heat: The intriguing sensation of an intense, rising heat slowly reveals the complex taste of eaux-de-vie patiently aged in oak barrels.

Spicy Edge: Perception of a strong spicy cognac note, tantalising the lips and palate with its distinct peppery flavor intertwined with a hint of chocolate. 

Flowing Flame: A wave of warmth grows, crests and then breaks. A robust presence, full and voluptuous, is felt. 

Chocolate Lull: There is the gradual discovery of something very familiar. It is the well-rounded flavor of a rich, dark chocolate.

Wood Crunches: A striking sensation is suddenly felt – the vigorous ebb and flow of oak notes interlaced with vanilla.

Infinite Echo: The evanescent oak notes leave a long, omnipresent finish in their wake. Seemingly endless, it echoes all of the subtleties of each taste and sensation that has preceded it.

Drinking more like a VSOP, than a VS. Phantom has a dark golden color and a note that displays aromas of vanilla and notes of fruit. On the palate flavors of oak, apple and light citrus come through with an elegant and bold finish.

Blended by 5th generation, family run producer Cognac Raymond Ragnaud, who has been in Grande Champagne since 1860, Branson Royal is a unique, elegant and strong blend of Eaux-de-Vie from some of the best vineyards throughout the Cognac region. Fit for king, Royal balances smooth notes of oak, vanilla and spice with stronger notes of wood, herbs and a slight burn for a one-of-a-kind blend. Bright amber in color, with hints of gold. An initially oaky boutique is followed by an intense fragrance.

Pre-Order: Shipping in December 2024

DUSSE XO Cognac Year of the Snake 2025 is an exceptional spirit celebrating the artistry of fine cognac-making. This limited-edition release showcases a rich blend of aged eaux-de-vie, resulting in a luxurious flavor profile that features notes of dried fruits, spices, and subtle oak. The smooth finish offers a sophisticated experience, making it perfect for sipping or enjoying in high-end cocktails. Embrace the elegance of DUSSE XO Cognac Year of the Snake 2025, available for purchase at Royal Batch, your go-to destination for premium spirits and prompt delivery!

Lowe Imports, a U.S. based company, is excited to introduce its first product, Rayon Cognac X.O. to the U.S. market. Rayon Cognac X.O. is manufactured in LaRochelle France by the Godet Family, established in 1588. Lowe Imports selected Godet as its manufacturing partner as the family has been committed to producing quality Cognac for seven generations and aligns perfectly with the desires of Lowe Imports to bring a higher standard of cognac to the U.S. consumer.

Lowe Imports, through Rayon Cognac X.O., is committed to introducing a new experience to Cognac consumers.

Bottle Size: 750ml

Maker Notes

Our Fine Blanche is a new classic!

Eau-de-vie. It has never been so well named. Transparent. Lively. Exhilarating. Fine Blanche is the authentic expression of a year. It carries all the fruity flavors of the wine from which it is made. This “Armagnac in its prime”, bottled without having been aged in wood, is both traditional and innovative. The only perfectly natural brandy!

This particular Armagnac is a blend of different vintages, carefully selected and artfully crafted to create a spirit of exceptional quality and complexity.

Château Arton La Réserve represents a harmonious combination of different grape varieties, including Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Baco, which are grown in the Gascony region of France. The grapes are meticulously harvested and fermented, and the resulting wine is distilled in copper stills to produce a clear, high-proof spirit.

Following distillation, the Armagnac is aged in oak barrels, allowing it to develop its character and flavors over time. Château Arton La Réserve is typically aged for a minimum of seven years, although the specific aging period may vary depending on the batch. During this maturation process, the Armagnac interacts with the wood, absorbing its tannins and acquiring a range of delightful aromas and flavors.

Château Arton La Réserve exhibits a complex and inviting bouquet. The aromas are rich and diverse, with notes of dried fruits like prunes and figs, alongside hints of caramel, vanilla, and spice. On the palate, this Armagnac offers a refined and well-balanced experience, showcasing flavors of ripe fruits, honey, toasted oak, and a touch of cinnamon. The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety, with a lingering finish that leaves a warm and satisfying sensation.

As a premium Armagnac, Château Arton La Réserve is best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to fully appreciate its intricate flavors and aromas. Sipping it slowly allows the nuances to unfold and reveals the depth of the blend. It can also be enjoyed in cocktails that call for a high-quality, aged spirit, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the drink.

Château Arton La Réserve exemplifies the commitment to excellence and tradition upheld by Château Arton. It is a testament to the art of Armagnac production, capturing the essence of Gascony's terroir and the expertise of the distillers. Whether savored on its own or used to elevate cocktails, Château Arton La Réserve offers a remarkable drinking experience that is sure to delight Armagnac enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

St-Rmy XO is a brandy of character with complex aromas and a robust taste. It is recognised for its elegance, roundness and ability to linger on the palate. Offering multiple layers of flavours that make it remarkable to critics and connoisseurs alike, St-Rmy XO can be savoured neat, on ice or in classic cocktails.

Bottle Size: 750ml

Naturally aged for at least four and a half years, the bold and full-bodied blend of DUSSE VSOP Cognac is made from a selection of the finest eaux-de-vie, including some that were carefully matured in the cellars of the Cha^teau de Cognac. The result is a uniquely powerful Cognac that begins with bold intensity and finishes pleasantly smooth and balanced.

Natural humidity of the cellars impacts evaporation and maintains the perfect balance of humidity, dryness and temperature, unique aging conditions found only at the Cha^teau de Cognac. Produced using the Charentaise method - slow double-distillation in copper stills.The lees (spent yeast cells) are kept in the wine to add additional depth and character to the eau-de-vie.

Aromas of roasted nectarines, ripe apricots and succulent melon inspire the lingering first sip, soft as brioche. Suave yet delicate, Rare is a classic expression of the House of Hine and a benchmark for our entire collection of cognacs. It reinterprets the fruity flavours characteristic of the white wines produced from Charente vines, particularly from the Grande and Petite Champagne varieties

Bottle Size: 750ml

In this tribute to Thomas Hine, adventurous Englishman landed from England in the 18th century to discover the subtleties within cognac, there is a notably uncommon je-ne-sais-quoi. Both discrete and whimsical, tangy pear and sharp orange zest rally. Homage quietly arises on the limestone land of Grande Champagne where it draws both tension and minerality. A two-decades journey across the Channel will then combine geographic adventure and lifelong tradition. Under the arched vaults of damp British cellars, a recital of candied citrus awakens. With it, notes of honey and fresh hazelnuts. Single vintages gently taunt each other before finding their own harmony, sheltered in their decanter.

Bottle Size: 750ml

Its guiding philosophy is to remain as close as possible to the wine itself and reveal the distinct character of the soils from which the vines draw their identity. Such panache! Bonneuil 2005 is a curiosity, an unparalleled field of expression. Forthright, polished and peremptory, if it were an object it would undoubtedly be the blade of a Japanese knife. Like the dancers of Edgar Degas, its dual qualities of precision and vitality perform a ballet in the glass; a pirouette of white flowers, supported by ripe quince that almost draws us into its spin. Pineapple hints at exoticism, while a light saltiness provides a lingering ocean finish.

Bottle Size: 750ml

Situated on the banks of the Charente River, the Cognac region of France is divided into six different crus (cru is French term for growth zones): Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bon Bois and Bois Ordinaire. The Grande Champagne cru, which is composed of approximately 34,000 hectares, is known for its quiet hills and rich, chalky soil, and is considered to produce the finest cognac in the region. In 1610, the Guillon-Painturaud family purchased a tiny, 18 hectare parcel of land in the Grande Champagne region of Cognac. For generations, the art of cognac production was passed down from parent to child, and today, Line Guillon-Painturaud one of the few female master distillers in Cognac benefits from her family's four centuries of experience in the region (the family continues to live on the same estate it purchased in 1610). The 18-hectare estate, which is devoted entirely to the production of a single varietal grape, enjoys a rich, calcareous soil, along with a temperate climate and generous amounts of sunlight. As a result, the Ugni Blanc grapes harvested on the estate are incredibly acidic and flavorful, making them perfect for distillation. Once the Ugni Blanc grapes have been harvested, they are pressed and the remaining grape juice is fermented into a wine. Then, Line distills the wine twice through a traditional copper still, before maturing the cognac in bespoke, French oak barrels (the oak is sourced from the Limousin and Troncais forests in France, and the barrels rest in Line's cellars). Guillon-Painturaud VSOP Grande Champagne Cognac is aged for an average of fifteen years, before each cask is brought to proof and bottled by hand (House Guillon-Painturaud is a member of the Vigneron Independent, a society specifically dedicated to winegrowers who undertake every aspect of production in-house). The cognac has an aroma of ripe orchard fruits, particularly green apples and pears, along with notes of caramel and butterscotch. The aroma opens up to notes of orange and lemon zest, along with touches of cinnamon, tropical fruits and pastries. The finish, which is long and elegant, has a smooth touch of caramelized apples. Guillon-Painturaud VSOP Grande Champagne Cognac earned four stars from F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal, which called the cognac an "excellent buy."In addition, it was named the "Best Bargain Brandy"by Wine Enthusiast.

"We are one of the smaller houses in Cognac and produce a small percentage of what the major houses do," says Francois Le Grelle, the Managing Director at the House of Hine. "For us, it's not about growth it's about maintaining the highest level of quality." Founded in 1817, the House of Hine has been in the same family for six generations. In 1791, Thomas Hine the company's founder left his native England in order to learn the art of making cognac. Today, nearly 225 years later, his great-great-great-great grandson, Bernard Hine, oversees the 297-acre Hine Estate. Situated on the banks of the River Charente, the estate benefits from a south-facing aspect, which maximizes the grapes exposure to sunshine and heat. In addition, "we only work with Grande and Petite Champagne where the soils are very chalky," explains Eric Forget, Hine's Cellar Master. "Hine's finesse comes from the terroir." H by Hine VSOP Fine Champagne Cognac is a blend of more than 15 cognacs made from the finest crus in France. After the grapes are harvested and fermented, they are distilled with their fine lees, which helps maintain the richness and structure of the cognac. Following distillation, H by Hine VSOP is aged in fine-grained wood sourced from northern France. "We prefer oak from the north of France because it has a finer grain which gives greater delicacy and less toast," says Forget. In addition, "we don't age too much in new oak as the wood flavors can dominate and hide the fruity and floral elements of the wine." H by Hine VSOP Fine Champagne Cognac is aged for a minimum of four years, and is Hine's most floral cognac. It has a scent of jasmine with a hint of redwood, which gives way to notes of iris, vanilla and carnation. Delicate and aromatic, it finishes with gentle notes of white grapes and a hint of apricots and cinnamon.

Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège is a well balanced cognac, the expression of 200 years of Hennessy craft. The fruit of nature’s uncertainties, this unique blend has tamed the elements to embody the original concept of cognac. Each sip reveals new facets of its personality.

The savoir-faire of the Maison of Hennessy is fully expressed in this balanced cognac: the selection of eaux-de-vie, aging and assemblage. A cognac of remarkable consistency and vitality, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège conveys all of the savoir-faire of the Hennessy master blenders who have ensured the continued success of this harmonious assemblage for 200 years.

Tasting Notes

Color: Flamboyant mahogany with light tones.

Nose: Release very mature notes, evoking the aroma of fresh fruit coupled with a sensation of suppleness that settles in to underscore the harmony of this cognac.

 Palate: The sensation of full body deepens with the flavor of juice fruit, vanilla, spices and mild tobacco also provided by the vigor of the younger eaux-de-vie.

The history of De Luze cognac began in 1817, when Le Baron Alfred De Luze and his brother Louise-Philippe journeyed to New York where they eventually started their business, importing and exporting Wines and Cognacs. Five years later Alfred founded A. DE LUZE & FILS in Bordeaux, and in 1862, in pursuit of producing a very high quality cognac he purchased the Domaine du Chaigne in Grande Champagne. In 1927, the De Luze house was granted the Royal Warrant by King Christian X of Denmark, to produce their Cognac. Meanwhile, in Angeac Champagne, Michael Boinaud is recommissioning the two family pot-stills, rekindling their operation. After a period of time under French Spirits Group, De Luze was purchased by the Boinauds, who brought the brand back to the Grande Champagne region of Cognac, where Alfred's production took place years ago 1862. The Boinaud family owns the largest vineyard of the Cognac Appellation; over 400 hectares in the Grande Champagne region. Their vast vineyards produce an impressive range of high-quality cognacs composed 70% Grande Champagne, far exceeding the minimum requirement (50%) of the appellation. In addition to owning the largest vineyard in the region, the Boinauds own the largest distillery of the Cognac region, with 41charentais(Alembic) pot-stills. To produce the high quality and natural texture which characterizes De Luze, only unfiltered wines are distilled in small capacity pot-stills. A traditional double-distillation method is used to produce the eaux-de-vie used in their cognac. The Boinaud family has its own cooperage where the Master Cooper produces and repairs barrels. Aged in bespoke French oak barrels, and blended specially by Cellar Master Eric Boinaud, the VSOP eaux-de-vie rests in French Oak Barrels for 4 years minimum. De Luze VSOP is an outstanding blend of eaux-de-vie from Grande and Petite Champagne, the two best growing areas of the Cognac region whose blending yields the finest spirit. The wine is distilled unfiltered, with its "lees" in-house, using the Boinaud family's unique method, giving an exquisite finish to the cognac.With its rich fruit and floral notes, De Luze VSOP won a Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 

Over three decades ago, Ansley Coale picked up a hitchhiker along Route 101 just north of San Francisco. The hitchhiker Hubert Germain-Robin was of French origin and came from a family that had been producing cognac since 1782. As the two drove northward in Coale's car, Hubert spoke of his family's background in distillation. "Hubert wanted to distill using craft methods handed down for centuries from master to apprentice," recalls Coale, who eventually teamed up with the hitchhiker to found Craft Distillers in 2003. After purchasing an antique cognac still from an abandoned distillery, Hubert and Coale built a redwood shed in northern California and began distilling spirits. Craft Distillers Maison Surrenne range is a collaborative effort between Germain-Robin and Cognac's largest remaining family-owned producer: "Surrenne's eight aging cellars hold extensive stocks of aged distillates that have been maintained pure and unblended. There are four distilleries, including the ancient installation in the chateau of Triac. The home distillery is on the Quai de lIle Madame on the banks of the Charente river in Jarnac. Great cognac reflects the land and climate from which its grapes were taken. The bottlings come from specific regions, and we further emphasize their individuality by using cognacs from a particular vintage, or a single distillery, or even an individual cask. Many of these bottlings are unblended, and the rarities are unfiltered." (Craft Distillers). Maison Surrenne Galtaud is an exceptional cognac that is from the single-still Galtaud distillery, founded in 1800 in the village of Mainxe. Rated the #14 Personal All-Time Favorite Brandy of F. Paul Pacult, Editor of F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal: June 2016.

All the art of the Master Blender is expressed in this atypical creation which garbs Hennessy White with a luminous robe and with fragrances drawn from the vine. Hennessy White bestows a subtle flower bouquet characteristics, thanks to a blend with a dominance from the Fins Bois.

The Perfect Serve: Served over ice with fresh fruit juice/nectar, to highlight the lightness and fruity character unique to Hennessy White.

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: The eaux-de-vie selected by the Master Blender are notable for their distinctive clarity, showing minimal wood influence, to allow fresh floral and fruity notes to shine through expressing the straw-gold colour.

NOSE: The light and fresh aromas of spring flowers smoothly moving to white yet sweet fruits like grapes, apples and pears. At the second nose appears the hint of unripe apricot.

PALATE: While the aromas are, light and fruity, the sensation on the palate is vibrantly alive with a sharp and delicious freshness – a full-bodied experience the intensity of smashed bunch of grapes and spring white flowers honey.

Cognac Le Magnifique is made solely from grapes found in the two highest-quality crus (vineyard areas), Petite Champagne and Grande Champagne, located in the heart of the Cognac region. In the Petite Champagne and Grande Champagne crus, the soil consists of a thin layer of clay-limestone covering a deeper layer of limestone and chalk. Grande Champagne features rolling hills, while Petite Champagne features rolling hills, while Petite Champagne is more compact. However, the chalky soil found in both crus provides the optimal growing conditions for aromatic, flavorful grapes. This incredible Levon Magnifique VSOP earned a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2018. 

Levon cognac was established in Cognac Le Magnifique is made solely from grapes found in the two highest-quality crus (vineyard areas), Petite Champagne and Grande Champagne, located in the heart of the Cognac region. In the Petite Champagne and Grande Champagne crus, the soil consists of a thin layer of clay-limestone covering a deeper layer of limestone and chalk. Grande Champagne features rolling hills, while Petite Champagne features rolling hills, while Petite Champagne is more compact. However, the chalky soil found in both crus provides the optimal growing conditions for aromatic, flavorful grapes. This compelling blend is a charming blend of hundreds of eaux de vie aged for at least 10 years, hand-selected from the Cognac region's two finest crus, Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne.