Meukow XO 375ML

Meukow XO 375ML is a blended XO Cognac bottled at 40% ABV in a half-bottle format, combining long-aged eaux-de-vie from three prestigious growing areas. This expression earned the Cognac Trophy — best Cognac across all categories — at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) in London in 2004, and took Gold at The Spirits Business Cognac Masters in 2013.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Charente-Maritime, France  |  XO Cognac  |  Distillery: Meukow, Matha

Production & Heritage

Meukow was founded in 1862 by two brothers from Silesia who originally supplied Cognac to the Russian Imperial Court. The house is based in Matha, in the Charente-Maritime department, and today operates under the guidance of Cellar Master Anne Sarteaux — one of the very few women holding that role in the Cognac region. The XO expression is double-distilled from Ugni Blanc grapes and blends eaux-de-vie sourced from Fine Champagne, Fins Bois, and Bons Bois crus, each contributing different characteristics of finesse, fruitiness, and body. Extended maturation in Limousin oak barrels allows the tannins to integrate fully, producing the rich, layered profile the blend is known for.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with candied orange and stewed prune, followed by a wave of roasted almond and hazelnut. A deeper layer of dark chocolate and supple leather emerges as the Cognac breathes in the glass.

Taste: The entry is fruit-forward, with ripe stone fruit and citrus peel giving way to nutty, toasted mid-palate notes. At the peak, bittersweet chocolate and warm spice rise, anchored by the tannin structure developed during long Limousin oak aging. The texture is full and slightly viscous, reflecting the blend's maturity.

Finish: The finish is lingering and powerful, with vanilla tones gaining strength as the chocolate fades into a very slight espresso bitterness. Leather and dried fruit persist well after the final sip.

How to Drink Meukow XO

Meukow XO is best enjoyed neat in a tulip glass at room temperature, allowing the complex aromatics to develop over several minutes. A few drops of water can open up the nuttier mid-palate notes without diminishing intensity.

For cocktails, this XO's deep fruit and chocolate backbone works well in a Vieux Carré, where the candied orange and spice complement rye whiskey and sweet vermouth. A Sidecar benefits from the Cognac's rich texture and citrus notes, creating a balanced, silky result. In an XO Old Fashioned (Cognac, demerara syrup, Angostura bitters), the vanilla and espresso finish pairs naturally with the caramelized sugar.

Best For

• Gifting a Cognac enthusiast without committing to a full bottle
• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a fine cigar
• Sampling an XO-level Cognac before investing in a 750ml
• Building a tasting flight across Cognac age categories — VS, VSOP, XO

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Meukow XO taste like? Meukow XO delivers a fruit-driven palate of candied orange and prune that transitions into roasted almond, dark chocolate, and leather, finishing with pronounced vanilla and a subtle espresso bitterness.

How does Meukow XO compare to Hennessy XO? Both are multi-cru XO Cognacs at 40% ABV, but Meukow XO leans more heavily into dark chocolate, nut, and leather notes, while Hennessy XO is often described as spicier with more dried fruit and oak influence. Meukow XO typically sits at a lower price tier than Hennessy XO, making it a strong value entry in the XO category.

Is Meukow XO good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the layered complexity and lingering finish make it well suited to slow, contemplative neat drinking, which is its primary intended serve.

Where is Meukow XO made? Meukow XO is produced at the Meukow distillery in Matha, located in the Charente-Maritime department of southwestern France, within the officially delimited Cognac production zone.

What foods pair well with Meukow XO? Dark chocolate truffles echo the Cognac's cocoa notes. Aged Comté or Gruyère cheese complements its nutty mid-palate. Crème brûlée mirrors the vanilla finish. Roasted duck with a fruit reduction bridges the candied orange and prune aromas. Dried figs and walnuts provide a simple pairing that highlights the Cognac's natural fruit-and-nut character.

What sizes does Meukow XO come in? Meukow XO is available in a 375ml half-bottle as well as the standard 750ml format.

Is Meukow XO worth the price? Meukow XO positions as a competitively priced XO Cognac that punches above its weight, backed by IWSC and Spirits Business awards — it represents strong value relative to more widely marketed XO brands in the same category.

Why Meukow XO?

Meukow XO earned the rare distinction of Cognac Trophy at the IWSC in 2004, meaning it was judged the finest Cognac across every age category in that competition — a credential few XO expressions at this price point can claim. The three-cru blend of Fine Champagne, Fins Bois, and Bons Bois eaux-de-vie creates a broader flavor spectrum than single-cru bottlings, balancing elegance with power. Anne Sarteaux's stewardship as Cellar Master brings a meticulous palate to the blending process, and the 375ml format makes this an accessible way to experience a trophy-winning XO without the commitment of a full bottle. For drinkers exploring the XO tier or looking for a rich, chocolate-and-fruit-driven Cognac with genuine competition pedigree, Meukow XO stands apart.