Champion XO Brandy 750ML

Champion XO Brandy 750ML is an extra old French brandy bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml format. The XO designation—standing for "Extra Old"—signals an extended aging period, placing this expression in the upper tier of the Champion brandy range and delivering the depth and complexity that longer maturation brings to French grape-based spirits.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: France  |  XO (Extra Old)  |  Brand: Champion

Production & Heritage

Champion XO is produced in France following traditional brandy-making methods: grape wine is distilled, then aged in oak for an extended period before blending and bottling. The XO classification in French brandy denotes that the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend has undergone significant maturation, resulting in a spirit with richer wood influence and more integrated fruit character than younger VS or VSOP expressions. While the specific distillery and appellation are not publicly disclosed, the spirit carries the hallmarks of classically styled French brandy production.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dried apricot and raisin lead on the nose, followed by toasted oak, vanilla, and subtle baking spice. A light floral note emerges as the brandy opens in the glass.

Taste: The palate opens with soft dried fruit sweetness—fig and prune—before transitioning into warm oak and caramel at the mid-palate. Baking spice and a thread of dark chocolate develop as the brandy coats the tongue, reflecting the extended wood contact typical of XO-grade spirits.

Finish: Medium to long, with lingering warmth, toasted almond, and a gentle tannic dryness. The fruit character recedes gradually, leaving behind oak and a faint hint of dried orange peel.

How to Drink Champion XO

Sipping neat in a tulip-shaped snifter at room temperature allows the full complexity of the extended aging to come through; a few drops of water can open up additional aromatic layers for those who prefer a softer entry. Champion XO also contributes depth to well-built cocktails:

• Sidecar — The dried fruit and oak richness balances the citrus and triple sec, giving the cocktail a more layered backbone than a younger brandy would.
• Brandy Old Fashioned — The inherent sweetness and spice of the XO stands up well to bitters and a sugar cube without being overpowered.
• Vieux Carré — The spirit's warmth and complexity pair naturally with rye whiskey and sweet vermouth in this classic New Orleans recipe.

Best For

• After-dinner digestif service alongside dessert
• Introducing brandy drinkers to the XO tier without a Cognac-level price commitment
• Building depth in classic brandy cocktails at home
• Gifting someone who appreciates aged French spirits

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Champion XO taste like? Champion XO delivers a profile centered on dried stone fruit, warm oak, caramel, and baking spice, consistent with the extended aging its XO designation requires. The 40% ABV keeps the heat restrained, letting fruit and wood character lead.

How does Champion XO compare to St-Rémy XO? Both are French XO brandies positioned as accessible alternatives to Cognac-appellation XO bottlings. St-Rémy XO tends to emphasize bright fruit and floral notes, while Champion XO leans toward a richer, oak-driven profile at a comparable proof point of 40% ABV.

Is Champion XO good for sipping neat? Yes—its XO-level maturation delivers enough complexity and smoothness for neat sipping, and the moderate 40% ABV makes it approachable without requiring dilution.

Where is Champion XO made? Champion XO Brandy is produced in France. The specific distillery and regional appellation have not been publicly disclosed by the brand, though it is marketed as a product of France and follows traditional French brandy production standards.

What foods pair well with Champion XO? Dark chocolate truffles complement the oak and dried fruit character. Aged hard cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda mirror the nutty, caramel qualities of the spirit. Crème brûlée echoes the vanilla and toasted sugar notes. Roasted walnuts and dried figs make a simple but effective pairing, and fruit tarts with stone fruit preserve highlight the brandy's core flavor profile.

What sizes does Champion XO come in? Champion XO Brandy is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Champion XO worth the price? Champion XO positions itself as a value-oriented XO French brandy, offering extended-age character at a price point well below most Cognac-appellation XO bottlings. For drinkers who want the richness of an XO expression without the premium of a major Cognac house, it fills a practical niche.

Why Champion XO?

The primary draw of Champion XO is access to XO-grade French brandy at a price tier that makes it viable for both daily sipping and cocktail use—a combination that most Cognac XO bottlings cannot offer. The extended aging behind the XO label delivers genuine oak-driven complexity, not just a marketing designation. At 40% ABV, the spirit stays balanced and approachable, making it a straightforward entry point into aged French brandy for drinkers looking to explore beyond VS and VSOP expressions without a steep investment.