Godet Excellence XO Cogac 3 cl. (Tasting Sample) 40%

Godet Excellence XO is a classic long-aged XO Cognac that showcases the house style at its finest. The blend is composed of eaux-de-vie from Borderies, Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, with an average age of around 25 years, well above the legal XO minimum. Bottled at 40% ABV, it offers a mature, rounded and remarkably elegant profile.

Producer – Maison Godet, La Rochelle

Maison Godet is one of the oldest family-run Cognac houses, rooted in the historic Atlantic port of La Rochelle since the late 16th century. For fifteen generations, the Godet family has been crafting Cognac with a focus on purity, finesse and a subtle maritime influence – typically lighter, floral and refined rather than overtly oaky and heavy.

Nose

The nose is generous and complex:

• orange blossom, dried flowers, hints of jasmine and acacia

• ripe citrus, candied orange peel and a touch of lemon zest

• dried apricot, sultanas and a suggestion of prune

• toffee, caramel, soft vanilla and well-integrated oak spice

• subtle notes of roasted nuts and cocoa

Overall it feels like a textbook old XO – warm, floral and layered.

Palate

On the palate, Godet Excellence XO is silky and full-bodied with a very smooth texture.

• The arrival brings honey, caramel, orange marmalade and juicy stone fruits like apricot and peach.

• The mid-palate develops into walnuts, hazelnuts, dried fruits, light tobacco and polished oak with cinnamon, nutmeg and a faint clove note.

• The floral and slightly coastal Godet signature hovers over the richness, keeping everything lively and elegant.

The mouthfeel is velvety and “old school” in the best sense: weighty, complex and extremely sippable.

Finish

The finish is long and refined:

• lingering floral notes and sweet citrus peel

• toffee, nougat, roasted nuts and hints of dark chocolate

• dried apricot, raisin and a gentle, drying oak note

A very classic XO finish that invites slow sipping, especially after a meal.

Serving & style

Serve slightly below room temperature, around 18–20 °C, in a tulip-shaped Cognac glass to highlight both its floral top notes and deeper oak tones. Godet Excellence XO is excellent as a contemplative after-dinner Cognac, pairing beautifully with dark chocolate, nut-based desserts or a refined, medium-bodied cigar.