New from Flaviar is, well, a bit of a welcome surprise. Frérot, an XO cognac, is the result of a crowdtasting. This non-chill filtered (!!!) cognac is 20-35 years old (aged in cold, humid cellars) and is a blend of all six crus. Simply based on this information, I might be in love. Let’s see how it tastes.

The nose features hints of baking spices and fruit, both candied and dried. The spirit’s age shows, adding a touch of tobacco and rancio. Bottled at 42% ABV, which is slightly higher than most cognacs, Frérot XO provides more of those fruit and spice notes on the palate. Add to that an earthiness in the form of cigar box and the cognac becomes a bit more complex. The finish is medium in length and a bit dry.

What a delectable pour! Frérot checks all the boxes in terms of what I enjoy in a cognac. I prefer them rich, spicy, and robust, and all that is delivered here in spades. Beautifully done. Frérot is available Flaviar members for $98 a bottle. The price for non-members is $130.

Thanks to Flaviar for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.