Overall (85)

Frapin XO VIP lands right in my wheelhouse, big Grande Champagne presence, and it carries itself with that old-school elegance I love in a top-end XO.

Aroma

On the nose, it's all about dried fruits at first, think figs and raisins, backed up by a deep chocolate note that leans more cocoa powder than sweet.

Taste

Tasting it, the Limousin oak shows up straight away but it's not brash, there's cinnamon and chocolate swirling together, along with that orange thing again (almost marmalade-like now). Dried fruit is steady throughout, but the spice builds gently rather than rushing your palate.

Finish

Not the absolute longest finish I've had from Frapin, but still more than respectable for an XO.

Overall (85)

Tesseron Lot 76 XO Tradition is pure Grande Champagne pedigree and honestly, it makes a strong impression from the very first pour.

Aroma

On the nose, I get a wave of honey and dried fruits, think figs and maybe even some raisin, with a floral lift that reminds me of iris and old leather-bound books. The oak is present but not overpowering, which I appreciate; it keeps things structured without smothering the subtler notes.

Taste

First sip lands sweetly with caramel and more of those dried fruit layers, then leans into a bit of nutty warmth. Spices start to show after a second or two, nutmeg and a little clove, and there's just enough oak spice to give it a backbone. The mouthfeel is generous but not syrupy; I might've liked a tiny bit more punch, but it's undeniably smooth.

Finish

Finish is clean with lingering honey, leather, and some toasted nuts. Not the longest I've had in an XO but certainly satisfying, lets you know it's Grande Champagne without being flashy about it.

Overall (84)

There's that sense of deep, plush fruit and floral lift you expect at this level, but what really draws me in is the way every sip feels composed yet just a touch wild around the edges. I can say this one's going to hold its value

Overall (85)

London evenings call for something with presence, and Hennessy XO always brings it.

Aroma

Right off the pour, the nose is thick with dried fruits and a heavy oak note that just sits there, no hiding it. There's a whiff of leather in there too, plus a bit of spiced prune if you go looking for it. Not shy, if anything it's almost showing off.

Taste

Spice comes through straight away, followed by that signature Hennessy oak backbone. I get prune, a good hit of dried fruit, and enough vanilla and leather to keep it interesting without turning sweet.

Finish

Finish is deep and lasts well. there's plenty of warm oak and some lingering spice, though I wish it held onto its fruitiness just a bit longer. Still leaves me satisfied enough to pour another glass.

Overall (85)

There are some edges that don't quite reach the fireworks of a vintage Martell, but it's still a proper treat for anyone who loves a bit of showmanship in their glass.

Aroma

First nosing, I get sandalwood right away, something about that Tronçais oak really comes through for me. There's also raisin and dried fig lurking underneath, which makes it feel lush without being overdone. Not the deepest nose I've had from Martell, but it's layered enough to keep me sniffing between sips.

Taste

On the palate, it opens up with walnut and pepper; definitely delivers on the spicy front (which I love). The dried fruits, raisin especially, roll in next, balanced by just enough oak to remind you this is XO territory. If anything I wish there was a hint more chocolate or tobacco sneaking in like you sometimes find in old borderies blends, but can't complain about what's here.

Finish

Still, leaves you wanting another sip rather than overwhelming your palate.

Overall (85)

Maxime Trijol XO Grande Champagne just hits that sweet spot for me.

Aroma

On the nose there's a firm hit of oakwood, with some vanilla in the background and maybe a touch of dried fruit if you really go looking. It's not shy about its wood influence, which I like, keeps it interesting and gives a sense of depth.

Taste

The palate pulls through with more vanilla and plenty of those toasted wood notes; it's pretty classic Grande Champagne DNA. I was halfway hoping for a little more tobacco or orange peel, but what you get is still satisfyingly rich and layered enough to keep me coming back. Just a hint of spice at the end rounds things out nicely.

Finish

Finish lingers in that woody-spicy territory, no harshness or thinness here, just a steady warmth that fades out slow. Not the most dramatic exit I've had from an XO, but definitely satisfying for an after-dinner pour.