Sazerac de Forge XO Cognac
43% ABV (86 proof) | 750mL | XO | Aged 20+ years in French oak — Sazerac de Forge XO revives one of Cognac's oldest names: the de Forge domaine, founded in 1782, whose eaux-de-vie helped inspire the original Sazerac cocktail of New Orleans. This XO blends cognacs aged more than two decades in French oak — dried fruit, warm spice, and a gentle natural sweetness at 43%. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Twenty-plus years in oak gives an XO its architecture: fig and dried apricot on the nose, baking spice and honeyed oak through the middle, and a long, elegant finish with rancio — that prized aged-cognac nuttiness. Among XO cognacs, de Forge punches above its price with real age and a story that predates the cocktail it inspired.
Tasting notes
Nose: dried fig, apricot, warm oak. Palate: dried fruit, baking spice, honey, gentle natural sweetness. Finish: long, elegant, nutty rancio. (Trade-press notes, 2025 launch coverage.)
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 43% ABV (86 proof) — 750mL XO, aged 20+ years in French oak
- Revival of the historic 1782 de Forge Cognac house
- The house whose Cognac inspired New Orleans' Sazerac cocktail
- Dried-fruit and warm-spice profile with true rancio depth
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat in a tulip glass at room temperature; a drop of water opens the fruit.
Frequently asked questions
What does XO mean in Cognac?
Extra Old — a minimum of 10 years in oak; this blend averages 20+ years.
How strong is it?
43% ABV (86 proof).
What's the Sazerac connection?
Bernard Sazerac de Forge's 1782 Cognac house supplied the brandy behind the original Sazerac cocktail — this XO revives that house.
Is it sweet?
Naturally sweet from two decades in oak — no added sugar needed.