Day 6 of the Cognac-Expert advent calendar shifts the spotlight back to Guynot, with the XO Exception N°37, a limited-edition Fins Bois cognac. After spending time with their Guynot XO Elegance a few months ago – a 45-year-old Fins Bois that aligned beautifully with our preferences – today’s dram lets us explore a younger take on the same house style. As an XO, it brings together eaux-de-vie with at least a decade of age, even hinting at a way greater age, setting the stage for a more energetic interpretation of Guynot’s Fins Bois character.
Guynot XO Exception N°37 Cognac Review
The Guynot XO Exception N°37 Cognac comes from 37-year-old Fins Bois eaux-de-vie. Guynot distilled it from Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes, with the lees, in a 25-hectolitre still, then matured it in Barron and old Martell barrels in a damp cellar. Guynot later bottled the cognac at 40% ABV without any additives apart from water for reduction, and retailers such as Cognac-Expert list it at around €110 per bottle in that decanter shown below, or less than €100 in a tall and more classic bottle.
Colour:
Russet
Nose:
Neat: The nose presents as charming and pleasant, offering roundness and refinement. Delicate floral notes of cornflower water, with subtle hints of orange and orchard fruit. Aeration also reveals layers of vanilla, candied fruit, and light oak undertones, hinting to the usage of used casks.
Palate:
Neat: The palate is notably soft, floral and fruity. Lavender and violets, wild flower honey, with a light herbaceous bitterness bringing balance and preventing the palate from becoming too sweet and cloying. The mouthfeel is a little light but not too thin anyway. Then, a woody bitterness develops, as well as some spices, with nutmeg and cumin.
Finish:
The finish lingers with a slightly sweet aftertaste, layering dried fruit, flowers, warm spices, and gentle oak.
Comments:
A delicate, refined cognac that highlights the elegance of Fins Bois, but with a different twist, steering away from the tropical profile I usually associate with the cru. The floral register really shines here, though a touch more drive and intensity would have pushed it to another level.
Rating: 7/10
Advent Calendar provided by Cognac-Expert.