Deux Familles XO is an extra-old French Cognac, a small-batch brandy of real depth and polish that makes a fitting, contemplative end to an evening at Grappa.
About the Producer
Deux Familles, named for the two families behind the label, is a boutique, independently bottled Cognac producer that favours small, hand-selected batches over large-volume releases. It is a relatively obscure name in the wider market, so we let the liquid speak: this is a maker drawing fine eaux-de-vie from the Petite Champagne and Fins Bois growing areas of the Cognac region in southwest France, finished with the attention of small-batch craft.
Style & Production
Cognac is twice distilled from white wine, here principally the Ugni Blanc grape, in copper pot stills, then matured in French oak. XO, meaning Extra Old, is an official Cognac designation reserved for the longest-aged tier, marking eaux-de-vie held well beyond the VSOP class for greater concentration and complexity. This bottling is a batch selection: the matured spirits are blended, then given an additional resting period in cask before bottling so the elements knit together into a harmonious, well-married whole.
Tasting Notes
Long ageing shows in a deep, layered profile, candied orange, dried fig and prune, with vanilla, toffee and a base of mature toasted oak. The palate is rich and rounded, unfolding rancio, nut and gentle baking spice. The finish is long and warming, the hallmark of a true XO, lingering on dried fruit and oak.
What to Pair It With
An XO of this depth shines with dessert. Pair it with our Flourless Chocolate Cake for a luxurious finish, or with Mama’s Tiramisu, whose coffee and mascarpone meet its toffee and oak. The Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta offers a softer, creamy counterpoint. See the full dine-in menu.
How It’s Served at Grappa
We pour Deux Familles XO neat as a digestif, served in a tulip glass to release its aromatics, at $26.
FAQ
Where is it from?
It is an extra-old Cognac from the Cognac region of southwest France, drawing on the Petite Champagne and Fins Bois growing areas.
What does it taste like?
Rich and layered, with candied orange, dried fig, prune, vanilla and toffee over mature toasted oak, finishing long and warm.
What does XO mean?
XO stands for Extra Old, an official Cognac designation for the longest-aged tier, giving the spirit greater concentration and complexity than VSOP.
To enjoy it with us, book a table, the cocktail & spirits list, and the dine-in menu.
