Cognac Cognac Maxime - Maxime Trijol Cognac XO Grande Champagne - 2000

Maxime Trijol XO Grande Champagne embodies the essence of the premier cru of Cognac, sourced exclusively from the chalky soils of Grande Champagne in the south-west of France. Crafted by the respected Maxime Trijol distillery, a family-run house with deep roots in the region since 1859, this expression reflects both tradition and expertise. It is distilled using the classic Charentais copper pot still, allowing for the careful extraction of nuanced aromatics, and is aged for a minimum of 5 years—though XO standards often indicate much longer maturation, especially in quality houses like Trijol. This particular bottling draws on eaux-de-vie distilled in 2000, resulting in a characteristically rich and harmonious blend. On the nose, you’ll discover complex fragrances of dried fruits, toasted oak, subtle floral notes, and warm spices such as cinnamon and vanilla, which follow through seamlessly onto the palate.

To best appreciate this Cognac’s intricate profile, consider sipping it neat as a refined after-dinner drink. Allow it to breathe for a few minutes after pouring into a tulip-shaped glass, which helps to concentrate its delicate aromas. Should you wish to explore creative pairings, try it alongside dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage, mature cheeses such as Comté or Roquefort, or roasted nuts. For an elevated cocktail, its depth and elegance will shine in classics like the Vieux Carré or a Cognac Old Fashioned; however, it’s best to use minimal additional ingredients to let the spirit’s complexity remain centre stage.

For full enjoyment, serve the Cognac at about 18-20°C to unlock its aromatic potential without masking its flavours. Swirling gently before each sip can further open up its bouquet, but adding water or ice is generally discouraged, as it may mute the subtler notes. Take your time to savour each nuance, and you’ll discover why Maxime Trijol XO Grande Champagne is considered a benchmark expression for the connoisseur.