XO Cognac

In accordance to the law of France, in order for a eau de vie to become cognac and claim VSOP, it must be aged in the oak barrel for at least 6.5 years (6 1/2 years) of which may include the first half year a french new oak barrel before transferring to older barrels.  This law is currently in force (as of 2010) but in April 2016, the minimum maturity of the eau de vie will be changed to 10 years, governed by the law of France. 

It is to be noted that most manufacturers claiming XO actually aged the cognac way beyond 6.5 years in order to produce better quality cognacs.

France has strict laws governing the production of cognac of which includes the delimited zone of Cognac where grapes meant for the production of cognac can be grown, type of grapes to be used for the making of cognac, the month they can be harvested, the type of press used on the grapes, the fermentation and distillation processes, the oak trees that are fit to be made into casks (barrels), until the final bottling.

The law not only protects the pride of Cognac, but is also an assurance to consumers all around the world.

Mr Daniel is personally touched to realise that France had spent so much effort in ensuring that they continue to produce the best brandy in the world - Cognac.

"Way to go France!  Cognac is the elixir of the gods indeed!"