Hardy – XO Rare – Cognac – Fine Champagne

The nose is powerful, fruity, spicy, concentrated and slightly incisive. It reveals notes of dried grapefruit zests and dried orange associated with small touches of white fruits in syrup, flowers as well as touches of rancio, caramel, cacao and slight hints of pepper. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, well-built and offers a slight acid frame, a very slight juiciness, a beautiful suavity, gourmandise, elegance, a nice structure, richness (but full of balance) as well as a power (but well controled). In the mouth this Cognac expresses notes of jam, peach in syrup and small notes of dried apricot associated with a subtle hint of candied lemon, rancio/caramel as well as hints of pâtisseries and a very discreet hint of cigar (in the background). Good length and beautiful gourmande persistence.