Jay Z’s D’Usse XO

10-Year Old Cognac

Inspired to create a new blend to represent the Cognac region in southwestern France all while pushing the boundaries of the timehonored spirit, Jay-Z and Château de Cognac, Bacardi’s Cognac arm, began the process of appealing to a diverse demographic. Thanks to the spirit’s revival in popular culture being used in high-class mixed drinks, it has ditched its storied past and is attracting drinkers of the future.

As partial owner of D’USSÉ, the mega-mogul heads its global strategy sprouted from his personal affinity for Cognac. What started in 2011 turned into the creation of D’USSÉ XO, a 10-Year-Old Cognac (priced in the $200 plus range), a smooth Cognac that can be enjoyed neat to honor tradition as well as an ingredient for making great cocktails.

Jay-Z met Michel Casavecchia, D’USSÉ’s Maître de Chai (Cellar Master) in 2011 to test samples and these taste tests led to fruitful discussions about the history of the spirit and the development of the nose and palate of the D’USSÉ XO.

The rich amber color is first seen before smelling the golden raisin and ripe apples on first smell. Upon first sip, the ripe fruits of blackberry and apricot are first tasted which are then layered with walnut and dark chocolate giving a balanced finish.

Due to its geographic location near the River Charente, D’USSÉ Cognacs are currently available in VSOP - Very Special Old Pale - and XO Extra Old – expressions with XO being the highest on the official age scale. This means that the Cognac ages at least 10 years at the 200-year-old Château de Cognac.

The striking dark black bottle features a doublebarred cross, Le Croix de Lorraine (The Cross of Lorraine), on the front a symbol harkening back to World War II as the symbol of the Free French Forces. Representing the theme of courage, honor, and perseverance, the bottle invites a whole new younger demographic to experience the fine spirit.