Louis Royer Cognac • XO

Louis Royer was founded in 1853 by its namesake. He was also a beekeeper and a bee has been its symbol from the beginning. Louis Royer is a Cognac house which uses all six regions in the Cognac region but this XO is a Fine Champagne (at least 50% Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne growing regions are used). 40% ABV BRANDY DISTILLED IN A DELIMITED REGION WITHIN FRANCE FROM SPECIFIC GRAPES (98% OF ALL COGNAC USE UGNI BLANC). MUST BE DOUBLE-DISTILLED TO NO HIGHER THAN 72% ABV. MINIMUM AGING OF 6 YEARS IN OAK (TRADITIONALLY TRONCAIS OR LIMOUSIN) IN 2018 THIS WILL CHANGE TO 10 YEARS. TASTING NOTES The nose shows a solid amount of wood spices and a touch of smoke. Primary fruit is not found but there’s some leather and tobacco notes hiding in the background. The palate is smooth but not creamy and is tangy with milk chocolate and pears. The finish is soft and a touch sweet. REVIEWED BY STEPHANIE MORENO