Camus Borderies XO Cognac is a single-estate XO Cognac from the Borderies cru, bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml decanter. Awarded 97 points by Wine Enthusiast and a Gold Medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this expression stands as the only single-growth Borderies Cognac commercially available worldwide—a rare distinction in a category dominated by multi-cru blends.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Borderies, Cognac, France | Aged Minimum 10 Years | Distillery: Camus (est. 1863)Production & HeritageCamus, founded in 1863 and still family-owned after five generations, operates from its historic headquarters on Rue Marguerite de Navarre in the town of Cognac. The Borderies XO is produced exclusively from Ugni Blanc grapes grown on the family's own vineyards within the Borderies cru—the smallest of Cognac's six AOC growing areas, prized for producing eaux-de-vie of exceptional roundness and floral complexity. The wine is double distilled on its fine lees in traditional copper alembic charentais pot stills, a technique that imparts a distinctive richness and aromatic intensity. Each individual eau-de-vie is then aged separately in Limousin oak barrels for a minimum of ten years before the Cellar Master selects and fuses them into the final blend—a meticulous approach that preserves the singular character of the Borderies terroir.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with a wave of floral sweetness—buckwheat flower nectar and violet—before shifting into rich pastry notes, vanilla, and fresh fig. Deeper inhalation reveals dark cherry, a hint of almond skin, and a sherried complexity that signals considerable age and careful oak management.Taste: The entry is immediately creamy and sweet, coating the palate with black cherry and vanilla before the mid-palate builds toward cinnamon, dried fruits, and subtle licorice. At its peak, the texture is remarkably velvety, with layers of pastry dough and candied orange peel unfolding in succession. The concentration and weight here reflect both the extended aging and the distillation-on-lees technique.Finish: Long and evolving, the finish dries gradually from the sweetness of the mid-palate into earthy espresso, soft leather, and a dusting of cocoa. Delicate violet and floral hints linger at the very end, circling back to the Borderies signature.How to Drink Borderies XONeat in a tulip glass at room temperature is the ideal serve, allowing the complex aromatics and creamy texture to develop fully; a few drops of water can further open the floral and pastry notes. For cocktails, the Borderies XO's richness and depth work exceptionally well in a Vieux Carré, where its pastry sweetness stands up to rye whiskey and vermouth. A Sidecar benefits from the expression's natural orange peel and vanilla character, harmonizing beautifully with Cointreau and fresh lemon. In a Sazerac variation substituting Cognac for rye, the velvety body and cinnamon spice create a lush, historically authentic take on the classic.Best For Gifting a serious Cognac collector who values single-estate provenance After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a fine cigar Marking a milestone celebration with a bottle of genuine rarity Expanding a home bar beyond standard multi-cru XO blends Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Borderies XO taste like? It delivers a creamy, velvety palate dominated by pastry, vanilla, black cherry, and cinnamon, with a long finish of espresso, cocoa, and lingering violet. The distillation-on-lees technique gives it a notably rich, mouth-coating texture uncommon in many XO Cognacs.How does Borderies XO compare to Camus XO Elegance? Camus XO Elegance is a multi-cru blend drawing from several Cognac growing areas, while the Borderies XO is a single-estate expression sourced exclusively from the Borderies cru and aged a minimum of ten years. The Borderies bottling is widely considered more complex and terroir-driven, with a distinctive floral and pastry character absent in the broader-blended Elegance.Is Borderies XO good for sipping neat? Absolutely—this is first and foremost a sipping Cognac, with the aromatic depth, layered palate, and extended finish that reward slow, attentive tasting. Its 40% ABV makes it approachable without water, though a few drops can amplify the floral nuances.Where is Borderies XO made? It is produced by the Camus distillery in the town of Cognac, France, from Ugni Blanc grapes grown on the family's own estate vineyards within the Borderies cru—the smallest and most centrally located of Cognac's six designated growing areas.What foods pair well with Borderies XO? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and espresso notes on the finish. A ripe fig and walnut tart mirrors the dried fruit and pastry character on the palate. Roquefort or aged Comté cheese creates a savory contrast to the Cognac's sweetness. Crème brûlée echoes the vanilla and caramelized sugar tones, while candied orange peel highlights the citrus undercurrent.What sizes does Borderies XO come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format.Is Borderies XO worth the price? Positioned in the premium-to-ultra-premium tier, the Borderies XO justifies its price through single-estate sourcing, a minimum ten-year age profile, and the rarity of being the only commercially available single-growth Borderies Cognac. Its 97-point Wine Enthusiast score and multiple gold medals further validate its standing among top-tier XO expressions.Why Borderies XO?No other XO Cognac on the market offers single-estate Borderies provenance—this is quite literally the only one available worldwide. That distinction alone makes it significant, but the liquid backs it up: 97 points from Wine Enthusiast, Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Gold at the 2024 Meininger's International Spirits Award confirm consistent critical recognition. The decision to distill on fine lees and age each eau-de-vie separately for a decade or more before blending gives the Borderies XO a floral complexity and creamy intensity that multi-cru blends rarely achieve. For anyone seeking a Cognac that reflects a single terroir with unmistakable clarity, this is the benchmark expression.
