Cerbois XO Armagnac 750ML

Cerbois XO Armagnac 750ML is a Bas Armagnac brandy bottled at 40% ABV, composed of blended vintages ranging from 18 to 22 years old. Distilled entirely from Folle Blanche grapes — one of the original and most prized Armagnac varietals — this XO expression far exceeds the category's 10-year minimum aging requirement, delivering the kind of depth and complexity that comes only from patient maturation in the heart of Grand Bas Armagnac.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Grand Bas Armagnac, France  |  Blend of 18-22 Year Vintages  |  Distillery: Cerbois

Production & Heritage

Cerbois operates from the Grand Bas Armagnac sub-region, widely regarded as the most sought-after terroir for Armagnac production due to its sandy soils and microclimate. The spirit is produced through single continuous distillation using a traditional alambic armagnacais, the copper column still unique to the region that preserves heavier congeners and delivers a more aromatic, fruit-forward distillate than double-distillation methods. The use of 100% Folle Blanche grapes — a varietal once dominant in the region but now relatively rare due to its sensitivity to disease — gives the spirit a floral, high-acid character that develops remarkable nuance over extended aging. The XO expression brings together selected casks aged between 18 and 22 years, resulting in a layered blend that reflects both the house style and the terroir of Grand Bas Armagnac.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with violet and black tea before moving into caramel and dates. Deeper exploration reveals prune, ripe peach, and walnut, creating a complex and inviting aromatic profile.

Taste: On the palate, rich plum arrives first, followed by tobacco leaf and freshly ground black pepper at mid-palate. The mouthfeel is notably smooth, with well-integrated oak tannins that frame the fruit and spice without overwhelming them. The 18-22 year aging lends a rounded, almost velvety texture throughout.

Finish: The finish is long, warm, and persistent, with lingering notes of dried fruit and subtle spice. It rewards slow sipping, revealing new layers of walnut and caramel as it fades.

How to Drink Cerbois XO

This Armagnac is best enjoyed neat in a tulip glass at room temperature, allowing 5-10 minutes of rest after pouring so the full aromatic range can develop. A few drops of water can open up the floral violet notes for those who prefer a softer entry. For cocktails, the XO's depth and dried-fruit character make it an excellent choice in a Vieux Carré, where its tobacco and plum notes stand up beautifully alongside rye and sweet vermouth. It also shines in a Sidecar, substituting for cognac to bring richer, more rustic fruit complexity. A classic French Connection (equal parts Armagnac and amaretto) highlights the walnut and caramel dimensions already present in the spirit.

Best For

• After-dinner sipping to replace or complement dessert
• Gifting a brandy enthusiast looking beyond mainstream cognac
• Building a French spirits collection with a benchmark Bas Armagnac
• Hosting a comparative tasting of aged Armagnac versus cognac

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cerbois XO taste like? Cerbois XO leads with rich plum and dried fruit, followed by tobacco leaf and black pepper, all supported by a smooth, velvety texture and a long, warm finish accented by walnut and caramel.

How does Cerbois XO compare to De Lord 25 Year Old Bas Armagnac? Both are highly regarded Bas Armagnac expressions from the same sub-region, though the De Lord 25 Year carries a single age statement while Cerbois XO is a blend of 18-22 year vintages. The Cerbois tends to emphasize floral and dried-fruit character from its 100% Folle Blanche base, whereas De Lord blends multiple grape varieties for a different flavor profile.

Is Cerbois XO good for sipping neat? Cerbois XO is ideally suited for neat sipping, with 18-22 years of aging producing a smooth, well-integrated spirit that reveals layers of complexity at a gentle 40% ABV.

Where is Cerbois XO made? Cerbois XO is produced in Grand Bas Armagnac, a premier sub-region within the Bas Armagnac appellation in Gascony, southwestern France, using traditional continuous copper pot distillation.

What foods pair well with Cerbois XO? Dark chocolate truffles complement the plum and caramel notes. Roquefort or aged Comté cheese mirrors the spirit's nutty, complex character. Tarte Tatin or poached pears echo its baked-fruit qualities. Foie gras with fig compote creates a classic Gascon pairing, while roasted walnuts reinforce the nutty finish.

What sizes does Cerbois XO come in? Cerbois XO Armagnac is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Cerbois XO worth the price? Cerbois XO positions as a premium Armagnac expression, and its 18-22 year blend from 100% Folle Blanche grapes represents considerable value compared to similarly aged cognacs, which often command significantly higher prices for comparable maturity and complexity.

Why Cerbois XO?

What distinguishes this expression is its commitment to 100% Folle Blanche — a grape varietal that most producers have abandoned in favor of easier-growing Ugni Blanc, but one that historically defined Armagnac's aromatic identity. The 18-22 year age range in the blend nearly doubles the XO category minimum, delivering a level of maturity more commonly associated with prestige-tier releases. Produced through single continuous distillation in the Grand Bas Armagnac terroir, Cerbois XO captures a style of brandy-making that prioritizes tradition and terroir over commercial expediency. For drinkers accustomed to cognac, this bottle offers an education in what Armagnac can achieve when given sufficient time and the right raw materials.