Another in Chateau de Montifaud’s superb range of XO Cognacs, this time the “Helios” edition. Helios is the personification of the sun, and the name likely refers to this Cognac’s golden appearance and round bottle shape.

Montifaud are one of the best Cognac producers in the region, with a wonderful reputation for producing spirit of a rare, and consistently good, quality. The business has been family owned for 6 generations, beginning in 1866. This bottling demonstrates that their reputation is well-earned.

The Cognac begins life as grapes grown in the Petite Champagne cru, ranked as one of the finest in the Cognac region. Indeed, these grapes are grown at Montifaud’s own vineyard, which has been in the possession of the managing Vallet family since 1837. This vineyard is auspiciously located for production of cognac grapes, with the flat earth receiving plenty of sunlight, and the chalky soil providing the ideal levels of acidity for creating fine spirit.

Being an XO Cognac, this spirit is legally required to have been aged for 6 years in French oak casks. Montifaud, however, are known for aging their spirit well beyond the requisite age, and it is likely this is the case with this spirit, which has been aged in the cool, dry cellars of Montifaud.

The Cognac itself is a sumptuous and delicious treat, resplendent with notes of bight white grape, toffee, tinned peaches, pressed flowers, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. After long aging, the bottling still maintains excellent balance between the flavours of the spirit and the influence of the cask, with Montifaud’s house style shining through.

This is bottling that looks as good as it tastes, with a superb decanter style design, and luxurious presentation box. One that would make a great addition to any collection.

• Product type
  XO Cognac
• Distillery / brand
  Chateau Montifaud
• Country
  France
• Region
  Petit Champagne
• Bottler
  Distillery Bottling
• Non-chillfiltered
  No
• Natural colour
  Yes
• SKU
  028454