{"title":"Naud","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"naud-vsop-750ml","title":"Naud VSOP 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNaud VSOP 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a French cognac bottled at 40% ABV and produced by the Naud family on the Charentais hillsides using traditional open-fire pot still distillation. Rated 91 points by Wine Enthusiast and awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2019 ADI International Spirits Competition, this expression has earned serious critical recognition across multiple competitions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Cognac, France  |  VSOP  |  Distillery: Naud Family, Pinthiers\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Naud family operates an ancient distillery in Pinthiers on the Charentais hillsides, running five traditional copper pot stills heated over open flame — a method increasingly rare in modern cognac production. Their VSOP undergoes double distillation in the presence of fine lees, a technique that contributes roundness and aromatic depth to the final spirit. After distillation, the eau-de-vie matures in French oak casks, developing the auburn color and layered complexity that distinguish this bottling from more industrially produced cognacs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with sprightly stone fruit and almond before evolving into a floral bouquet of lavender and orange blossom. Vanilla and gingerbread spices emerge with time in the glass, the vanilla deepening into a cookie-like sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate enters soft and supple, with lush black cherry and toasted almond leading into a rich mid-palate of hazelnut and peach. Orange notes and milk chocolate develop through the middle, supported by dried fig and raisin richness. The mouthfeel remains fruit-forward without excessive sweetness, balanced by a gentle oak backbone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is moderately long with a cayenne sting and lingering black tea tannins. Late notes of crushed almond and subtle wood spice carry through to the close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Naud VSOP\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeat or with a single ice cube allows the open-fire distillation character and fine lees richness to speak clearly. A few drops of water can coax out the more delicate floral and vanilla notes. Three cocktails where this cognac performs well:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSidecar\u003c\/strong\u003e — The stone fruit and almond character meshes naturally with orange liqueur and fresh lemon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVieux Carré\u003c\/strong\u003e — Its oak structure and spice hold up alongside rye whiskey and sweet vermouth without being overpowered.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrench 75 (Cognac variation)\u003c\/strong\u003e — The floral aromatics and vanilla lift pair elegantly with champagne and lemon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a cognac enthusiast who appreciates artisanal, small-distillery production\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cheese course\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a cognac collection that extends beyond major-house bottlings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrafting elevated classic cocktails that benefit from a fruit-forward, aromatic base spirit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Naud VSOP taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud VSOP delivers a supple, fruit-driven profile led by stone fruit, black cherry, and toasted almond, with vanilla, gingerbread spice, and a hint of cayenne warmth on the finish. Wine Enthusiast described it as having lush hints of black cherry, toasted almond, and hazelnut.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Naud VSOP compare to Hennessy VSOP?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hennessy VSOP tends toward a rounder, more caramel-driven profile with broad availability and name recognition, while Naud VSOP leans more floral and fruit-forward with distinct open-fire distillation character. Naud's 91-point Wine Enthusiast score and multiple competition medals position it as a strong artisanal alternative to the world's best-known VSOP.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Naud VSOP good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the aromatic complexity from fine lees distillation and French oak aging makes it well suited to neat drinking. Its 40% ABV keeps the palate approachable while delivering enough depth to reward slow exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Naud VSOP made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud VSOP is produced at the Naud family's distillery in Pinthiers, located on the Charentais hillsides in the Cognac region of France. The grapes used in production are sourced from the surrounding Charentais vineyards.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Naud VSOP?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles complement the milk chocolate and almond notes. Aged Comté or Gruyère cheese mirrors the nutty, toasty qualities. Pear tarte Tatin echoes the stone fruit and vanilla. Roasted duck with fig glaze plays off the dried fruit and spice. Crème brûlée amplifies the caramelized vanilla character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Naud VSOP come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard size is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Naud VSOP worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud VSOP positions as a premium VSOP expression, sitting above mass-market offerings and reflecting the cost of small-batch, open-fire copper pot still production. Its 91-point Wine Enthusiast rating, Gold at The Cognac Masters 2022, and Double Gold at the 2019 ADI competition substantiate its standing in the upper tier of the VSOP category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Naud VSOP?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this cognac from the crowded VSOP field is the Naud family's insistence on open-fire heating under traditional copper pot stills — a labor-intensive method most large producers have abandoned in favor of steam or gas. Distillation on fine lees adds a measurable layer of textural richness and aromatic complexity. The results have been validated across competitions, from a Double Gold at ADI in 2019 to Gold at the International Spirits Challenge in 2023 and 91 points from Wine Enthusiast. For drinkers looking beyond the major houses, Naud VSOP represents a genuinely artisanal cognac backed by consistent critical acclaim.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Naud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837975097513,"sku":"36012","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Naud-VSOP__07050.jpg?v=1730502642"},{"product_id":"naud-vs-750ml","title":"Naud VS 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNaud VS Cognac 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 40% ABV Very Special cognac from Charente, France, double-distilled in rare 1936 copper pot stills. Awarded 91 points by Wine Enthusiast (Kara Newman, October 2022) and recognized at the 2018 International Wine \u0026amp; Spirit Competition, this expression punches well above its VS designation in complexity and character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40% (80 proof)  |  Origin: Charente, France  |  VS (Very Special)  |  Distillery: Distillerie Perrier (Naud Distillery)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNaud VS is produced at Distillerie Perrier, situated on the Isle of Pinthiers — a small private island surrounded by two arms of the River Seugne in the Charente region. The distillery houses five original Speichim copper pot stills dating to 1936, which sat dormant for decades before being meticulously revived in 2017. The cognac is double-distilled over an open flame in these historic stills, then matured in French oak casks. The spirit is crafted from a blend of Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes, two classic Cognac varietals known for their high acidity and aromatic potential. The old limestone distillery building, flanked by lime and willow trees along the river, provides a naturally humid microclimate that influences the maturation process.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delicate pear and peach rise first, followed by toasted almonds and a thread of cinnamon. Beneath the stone fruit, subtle walnuts and acacia honey add a layered sweetness that deepens with time in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is fresh and fruit-forward, with white-fleshed stone fruit and honeyed sweetness coating the palate. At mid-palate, vanilla and gentle oak spice emerge, joined by prune and dried apricot. Wine Enthusiast described it as \"silky\" and \"mouthwatering,\" with a well-balanced interplay of fruit and wood influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with a warm trail of cinnamon and allspice that gradually fades. A mentholated hint lingers at the very end, lending an unexpected freshness that invites the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Naud VS\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeat or over a single large ice cube is the best way to appreciate the fruit-forward complexity and silky texture. A few drops of water open up the honey and almond notes without diminishing the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSidecar:\u003c\/strong\u003e The stone fruit sweetness and cinnamon spice complement Cointreau and lemon, creating a balanced, aromatic cocktail.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrench 75 (Cognac variation):\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud VS's fresh fruit character and honeyed weight stand up to champagne and lemon without being overwhelmed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStinger:\u003c\/strong\u003e The mentholated hints on the finish harmonize naturally with crème de menthe, making this a particularly well-suited VS for the classic pairing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a cocktail enthusiast to quality cognac beyond mass-market brands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a French spirits collection with an artisan distillery expression\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting an after-dinner digestif course with cheese and fruit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a spirits lover who values distillery provenance and heritage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Naud VS taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud VS delivers fresh stone fruit — pear, peach, and dried apricot — balanced by honey, vanilla, and warm baking spices like cinnamon and allspice. The palate is silky and fruit-forward with a medium-length spiced finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Naud VS compare to Hennessy VS?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud VS is produced at a small artisan distillery using historic 1936 pot stills, while Hennessy VS is a large-volume production from the world's biggest cognac house. Naud VS tends to show more delicate stone fruit and floral nuance, whereas Hennessy VS leans heavier on oak and darker caramel notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Naud VS good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — with 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and a notably silky, well-balanced palate, Naud VS drinks more like a refined sipper than a typical entry-level VS cognac.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Naud VS made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud VS is distilled at Distillerie Perrier on the Isle of Pinthiers in the Charente region of France. The distillery sits on a small private island formed by two branches of the River Seugne.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Naud VS?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged Comté cheese highlights the nutty, honeyed notes. Poached pears echo the stone fruit aromatics. Crème brûlée mirrors the vanilla and caramel undertones. Toasted almonds complement the mid-palate nuttiness. Charcuterie with dried apricot brings out the dried fruit character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Naud VS come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud VS is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Naud VS worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud VS positions as a premium artisan alternative within the VS cognac tier, offering small-batch production, historic copper pot stills, and a 91-point critical score at a price that competes directly with mainstream VS expressions — strong value for the quality and provenance delivered.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Naud VS?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Naud VS from the crowded field of Very Special cognacs is the sheer rarity of its production equipment: five Speichim copper pot stills built in 1936, dormant for decades, and brought back to life in 2017. That heritage translates directly into the glass — Wine Enthusiast's 91-point score places it alongside cognacs that often cost considerably more. The island distillery setting is not a marketing conceit but a genuine microclimate influence, with the River Seugne's humidity shaping how the spirit rests in French oak. For anyone seeking a VS cognac with genuine artisan character and critical validation, Naud VS is a compelling and underappreciated choice in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Naud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44839477543081,"sku":"40132","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/NaudVSCognacNV700x700__22120.jpg?v=1730521925"},{"product_id":"naud-extra-750ml","title":"Naud Extra 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNaud Extra 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a rare, top-tier cognac blended from the oldest eaux-de-vie in the Naud family cellars, bottled at 42.3% ABV. Awarded 97 out of 100 points by Cognac-Expert.com, this expression represents the pinnacle of the Naud range, drawing exclusively on the most exceptional aged reserves from the house's private stocks on the Isle of Pinthiers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 42.3% (84.6 proof)  |  Origin: Cognac, Charente, France  |  Extra (oldest reserves)  |  Distillery: Naud\/Perrier, Isle of Pinthiers\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Naud distillery operates from a historic grain mill dating to 1936, situated on the private Isle of Pinthiers in the Charente region. In 2017, the family revived five traditional Speichim copper pot stills, continuing the Charentais double-distillation method that defines fine cognac production. The Extra expression is composed entirely of Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes, and only the oldest, rarest eaux-de-vie from the family cellars are selected for blending — bottled at a robust 84.6 proof, noticeably higher than the 40% ABV standard common in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with concentrated candied orange and quince, gradually unfolding into layers of mocha and cedarwood. A pronounced rancio — that deeply aged, almost mushroom-like earthiness — rises steadily and signals genuine maturity in the blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is frank and immediate, with bold candied orange peel leading the charge. At mid-palate, leather and tobacco emerge alongside a rich tannic structure. Toasted vanilla threads through, providing warmth and complexity without sweetness dominating.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long, persistent, and warming, with orange peel, cedarwood, and a dry tobacco note lingering well after each sip. The higher bottling proof gives the finish real staying power and textural weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Naud Extra\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis cognac deserves to be savored neat in a tulip glass at room temperature, allowing its layered rancio character and aged complexity to fully express themselves. A few drops of water can open the aromatic range further, particularly the cedarwood and mocha notes. For cocktails: a \u003cstrong\u003eVieux Carré\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from the tobacco and leather depth this cognac brings; a \u003cstrong\u003eSidecar\u003c\/strong\u003e gains remarkable complexity from the candied orange and vanilla interplay; and a \u003cstrong\u003eSazerac\u003c\/strong\u003e variation made with Naud Extra takes on added richness thanks to the high proof and tannic backbone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious cognac collector or Francophile\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or cigars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarking a milestone celebration — retirement, anniversary, or promotion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a reference-quality spirits library with benchmark expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Naud Extra taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud Extra leads with bold candied orange peel and quince, moving into leather, tobacco, and cedarwood, with toasted vanilla at the finish. A mature rancio character runs through the entire experience, signaling extensive aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Naud Extra compare to Rémy Martin XO?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud Extra is bottled at 42.3% ABV versus the standard 40% of Rémy Martin XO, delivering a fuller-bodied, more assertive texture. While both are blends of aged eaux-de-vie, Naud Extra emphasizes rancio, leather, and tobacco over the fruitier, more floral character typically found in Grande Champagne-focused blends like Rémy Martin XO.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Naud Extra good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — neat service is the ideal way to appreciate the depth and complexity of these rare aged eaux-de-vie. The higher proof ensures a rich mouthfeel and long finish without requiring dilution.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Naud Extra made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud Extra is produced at the Naud\/Perrier distillery on the private Isle of Pinthiers in the Charente region of France, within the officially designated Cognac production zone. The distillery operates from a converted grain mill that dates back to 1936.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Naud Extra?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles complement the mocha and vanilla notes; aged Comté or Gruyère mirrors the tannic complexity; dried figs and dates amplify the candied fruit character; duck confit matches the leather and tobacco earthiness; and roasted walnuts enhance the cedarwood finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Naud Extra come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud Extra is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Naud Extra worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud Extra positions as a premium-to-ultra-premium cognac, competing at the highest tier of the category alongside other Extra-grade expressions. Its 97\/100 score from Cognac-Expert.com, higher-than-standard bottling proof, and exclusive use of the family's rarest reserves support its positioning within this segment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Naud Extra?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat sets Naud Extra apart begins with its source: only the oldest and rarest eaux-de-vie from the Naud family's private cellars qualify for this blend — no younger spirits dilute the profile. The decision to bottle at 42.3% ABV rather than the industry-standard 40% preserves aromatic intensity and textural depth that many Extra-grade cognacs sacrifice for accessibility. A 97\/100 score from Cognac-Expert.com places it among the most critically respected cognacs at any price. For drinkers seeking a cognac defined by rancio, structure, and genuine age rather than sweetness and marketing, Naud Extra delivers precisely that.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Naud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44839482589353,"sku":"40151","price":199.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/NaudXOExtra__69393.jpg?v=1730521984"},{"product_id":"naud-xo-750ml","title":"Naud XO 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNaud XO 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a French cognac bottled at 40% ABV, blending Grande Champagne and Fine Champagne (Fins Bois) eaux-de-vie aged in Limousin oak. Rated 94 points by Wine-Searcher and awarded a Silver medal at the 2017 International Spirits Competition, this boutique XO draws from the Naud family's private barrel reserves—a level of cask selection rarely found outside the major Cognac houses.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Cognac, France  |  XO Designation  |  Distillery: Naud Family Distillery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Naud family distills in the heart of the Cognac region using five Speichim copper pot stills and traditional double distillation. The base eaux-de-vie come from two of Cognac's most esteemed crus: Grande Champagne and Fins Bois, providing both the chalky minerality of the premier cru and the fruity roundness of the surrounding terroir. What sets this XO apart from mass-produced alternatives is the Master Blender's practice of hand-selecting some of the oldest French Limousin oak barrels from the family's private cellar reserves, contributing layers of tannin and rancio that only extended wood contact can develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Candied orange and stewed prune rise immediately, followed by warming cinnamon and a trace of cumin. Beneath the fruit and spice, a rich leather note anchors the bouquet, signaling considerable time in barrel.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is broad and enveloping, with bitter orange marmalade coating the palate before tobacco and oak spice take hold at mid-palate. A pronounced rancio character—that waxy, mushroomy depth prized in well-aged cognac—emerges as the flavors integrate and intensify.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long, warm, and graceful, with dried fruit and baking spice lingering well past the final sip. Oak tannins provide firm structure without astringency, tapering into a soft, elegant close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Naud XO\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe neat in a tulip glass at room temperature to allow the rancio and dried fruit complexity to fully develop; a few drops of water can coax additional spice detail to the surface. In a \u003cstrong\u003eSidecar\u003c\/strong\u003e, the orange marmalade character amplifies the citrus liqueur component with natural synergy. A \u003cstrong\u003eVieux Carré\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from the tobacco and oak weight, reinforcing the cocktail's herbal backbone. For a cognac-based \u003cstrong\u003eSazerac\u003c\/strong\u003e, this XO's warm spice and dried fruit replace rye's bite with a more layered, graceful profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a cognac enthusiast who values small-batch family producers over major houses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate desserts or a quality cigar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a curated home bar featuring artisan French spirits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting an intimate tasting comparing Grande Champagne expressions side by side\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Naud XO taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud XO delivers a broad, spice-driven palate of bitter orange marmalade, tobacco, and oak, underscored by the rancio character typical of aged cognac. The finish is long and warm with dried fruit and lingering baking spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Naud XO compare to Rémy Martin XO?\u003c\/strong\u003e Rémy Martin XO is a large-house blend known for crowd-pleasing balance and polished fruit-forward sweetness, while Naud XO leans more rustic and oak-driven with pronounced rancio and tobacco notes. Both use Fine Champagne designations, but Naud's smaller-scale production and hand-selected family barrel reserves give it a more individualistic, terroir-forward character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Naud XO good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely—its complex rancio, dried fruit, and spice layers reward undiluted attention in a tulip glass. The 40% ABV keeps it approachable without sacrificing depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Naud XO made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud XO is produced at the Naud family distillery in the Cognac region of southwestern France. The eaux-de-vie are sourced from the Grande Champagne and Fins Bois crus and double-distilled in Speichim copper pot stills.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Naud XO?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles complement its bitter orange and spice notes. Aged Comté or Roquefort cheese mirrors its oak-driven complexity. Crème brûlée highlights the caramel undertones. Dried fig and walnut tarts echo the dried fruit on the finish. Smoked duck breast stands up to its tobacco and leather depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Naud XO come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud XO is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Naud XO worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Naud XO positions as a premium boutique cognac that competes with larger-house XO bottlings at a comparable or slightly lower price tier. Its hand-selected family reserve barrels and 94-point Wine-Searcher rating suggest strong value for drinkers seeking an alternative to mass-produced XO expressions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Naud XO?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn a category dominated by global brands, Naud XO stands on the strength of its family cellar—barrels selected one by one from private reserves that span generations. The Silver medal at the 2017 International Spirits Competition and a 94-point Wine-Searcher rating confirm what the glass already reveals: a cognac with genuine rancio complexity and oak depth rarely achieved at this tier. The five-still copper pot distillery and dual-cru blending of Grande Champagne and Fins Bois give it both elegance and body. For anyone seeking an XO with artisan provenance and verifiable quality, this bottling delivers substance over marketing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Naud","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44849857724585,"sku":"40150","price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/XO-Hero_2048x2048__54145.jpg?v=1730848804"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/naud.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}