Camus XO Cognac 700ML is a Borderies-focused extra old cognac bottled at 40% ABV in a 700ml decanter-style bottle. Awarded 94 points by the Beverage Tasting Institute and a Gold Medal from the International Review of Spirits, this expression stands out for its patented Intensité distillation process, which produces a spirit the house claims is up to seven times more aromatic than conventionally distilled cognac. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Borderies, Cognac, France | XO (Extra Old) | Distillery: Maison Camus Production & Heritage Maison Camus, founded in 1863, remains one of the largest family-owned cognac houses in France, with its spiritual home in the Borderies — the smallest and most prized of Cognac's six terroirs. The XO is distilled primarily from Ugni Blanc grapes, a high-acidity varietal that generates concentrated aromatic esters during copper pot distillation. What distinguishes this bottling is the house's patented Intensité process: during the second distillation, the distiller manually samples the first twenty litres of heads litre by litre, selecting only the most aromatic fractions and blending them back into the heart cut. The resulting eau-de-vie then matures in re-toasted cognac barrels, which contribute deeper spice and toast characteristics to the final blend. Tasting Notes Aroma: Opens with savoury bitter apricot and orange peel, then unfolds into layers of exotic fruit and deep cacao. A subtle mineral quality sits underneath, lending complexity beyond the fruit-forward first impression. Taste: The entry is silky and honey-like in texture, immediately revealing an intense florality — a direct hallmark of the Intensité distillation. At mid-palate the profile pivots toward warm spice and toasted oak, with concentrated chocolate and pipe tobacco filling the frame. The Borderies terroir asserts itself through a distinctive richness and roundness that separates this from Grande Champagne-dominant blends. Finish: Long and intense, carrying dark vanilla, cinnamon bark, and lingering mineral dust. The oak influence is present but controlled, adding structure rather than bitterness. How to Drink Camus XO Neat in a tulip glass at room temperature is the ideal starting point — the Intensité process rewards patience, and the aromatic layers open considerably after five to ten minutes of rest. A single large ice cube softens the spice notes and draws out more of the apricot and chocolate character. For cocktails, Camus XO works well in a Vieux Carré, where its chocolate and spice amplify the drink's layered depth; in a Sidecar, its intense orange and apricot notes harmonize naturally with Cointreau and citrus; and in a Sazerac variation (substituting cognac for rye), the florality and cinnamon finish add a distinctly French elegance to the classic New Orleans template. Best For Gifting a cognac enthusiast who appreciates Borderies terroir After-dinner sipping alongside a cigar or dark chocolate Introducing a whisky drinker to premium cognac through a rich, spice-forward expression Building a cognac collection that represents a distinctive house style beyond the major négociant houses Frequently Asked Questions What does Camus XO taste like? Camus XO delivers a silky, honey-textured palate dominated by bitter apricot, deep cacao, intense florality, and warm spice, finishing long with vanilla and cinnamon. The Borderies terroir gives it a rounder, richer body than many Grande Champagne-based XO cognacs. How does Camus XO compare to Rémy Martin XO? Rémy Martin XO is a Fine Champagne blend (Grande and Petite Champagne) known for balanced, crowd-pleasing fruit and oak, while Camus XO leans heavily on Borderies fruit and the Intensité process for a more concentrated, aromatically intense profile. Drinkers who favor floral richness and chocolate depth often gravitate toward Camus, while those seeking a more classically structured cognac may prefer Rémy Martin. Is Camus XO good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the Intensité distillation was designed specifically to maximize aromatic complexity, making neat sipping the most rewarding way to experience the full range of flavors. Allow five to ten minutes of rest in the glass to let the deeper cacao and spice notes emerge. Where is Camus XO made? Camus XO is produced by Maison Camus in the Borderies region of Cognac, France — the smallest of the six officially designated cognac terroirs, prized for its round, floral eaux-de-vie. What foods pair well with Camus XO? Dark chocolate truffles mirror the cacao and spice in the cognac. Roasted duck with an orange glaze echoes the bitter orange peel aromatics. Aged Comté or Gruyère cheese complements the toasty oak character. Crème brûlée aligns with the vanilla and caramelized sugar notes. Dried apricots and candied walnuts provide a simple, effective pairing that highlights the fruit and spice simultaneously. What sizes does Camus XO come in? The standard size is 700ml, which is the format most widely available internationally; a 50ml miniature is also produced for sampling or travel. Is Camus XO worth the price? Camus XO positions as a premium XO expression, competing in the same tier as Rémy Martin XO and Hennessy XO. Its 94-point BTI rating, Gold Medal from the International Review of Spirits, and the proprietary Intensité distillation process give it a strong value argument for drinkers seeking something distinct from the larger négociant houses. Why Camus XO? The patented Intensité distillation process is genuinely rare in the cognac world — no other major house employs the same litre-by-litre heads selection technique during second distillation. That method, combined with Camus's deep Borderies vineyard holdings in the region's most coveted and smallest terroir, produces an XO with an aromatic intensity difficult to replicate. The 94-point score from the Beverage Tasting Institute and a Gold Medal from the International Review of Spirits confirm that the technique translates to the glass. For drinkers who know Grande Champagne-dominated XOs well and want to explore what Borderies-forward cognac can achieve at its peak, this bottling is one of the most compelling options in the category.
