Black Bottle XO Brandy takes home a Silver with 89 points and Brandy of the Year at the 2022 USA Spirits Ratings, held on July 24 in San Francisco, USA.

Black bottle XO, an Australian treasure made from doradilla, palmino, and sultana grapes, has roots that go back to Thomas Hardy's establishment of his winery alongside the River Torrens in Adelaide, South Australia, in the middle of the 18th century. The wine is double-distilled in pot stills in accordance with Cognac tradition, and it matures in Limousin barrels made of Cognac. With the distillery relocating to Renmark, South Australia, Holder Accolade wines sold the Black bottle XO and its younger cousin to spirit expert Vok beverages in late 2011.
Black Bottle XO, a family-owned brandy cherished by generations, is the culmination of heritage and contemporary finesse. Black Bottle XO is the exquisite outcome of over 150 years of South Australian winemaking, and it is steeped in tradition and showered with awards. 

The defining legacy of a great distiller at the height of his abilities, Black Bottle XO has opulent scents of seasoned vanilla oak and a flavor like spiced sherry. This distinctively Australian XO is built on a magnificent 18-year-old double pot distilled spirit. To offer a rich depth and an almost viscous viscosity, carefully selected parcels of up to 40-year-old double pot brandy are mixed in. Aged toasty oak and raisins dominate the palate, with delicate flavors of fig, cinnamon, and hazelnut. All the signs of exceptional refinement are present in dark chocolate and toffee's mouth-coating, creamy finish. 

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Product: Black Bottle XO Brandy 
Producer: Vok  Beverages
Country: Australia 
Alcohol: 39.1%

2022 USA Spirits Ratings Judges Tasting Notes

“Bright aromas of plum, vanilla, and chocolate on the nose. It has a smooth and silky texture on the palate with flavors of spicy plum pudding, vanilla, and chocolate with hints of cedar at the finish.”

Here are some of the top winners of the 2022 USA Spirits Ratings: 

Spirit of the year: John B 10 Year Old Single Malt, Netherlands
Distillery of the year: Charles Edge London Limited, Scotland
Best Spirit by Quality: John B 10 Year Old Single Malt, Netherlands
Best Spirit by Package: Bitter Feminist Cachaca, Brazil
Best Spirit by Value: John B 10 Year Old Single Malt, Netherlands
Rum of the year: E. Leon Jimenes 110 Aniversario, Dominican Republic
Tequila of the year: Tequila Anejo, Mexico
Gin of the year: Ginologist Orient, South Africa
Whiskey of the year: John B 10 Year Old Single Malt, Netherlands
Cognac of the year: Rémy Martin XO, French Polynesia
Liqueur of the year: Nocello, Italy

View full results here. 

This year at USA Spirits Ratings, the esteemed panel of judges evaluated more than 800 different spirits from across the globe, with some new ones on the block and some old favorites. The judging took place on July 24 in South San Francisco. 

About the Competition and Organizers

The USA Spirits Ratings looks to recognize, celebrate and help promote spirits brands that have successfully been created to identify with and target a specific spirits drinker. The competition has been organized exclusively by the Beverage Trade Network, the US drinks events, services, business, and publishing group dedicated to helping drinks producers and brand owners get closer to the buyers, distributors, and retailers bringing their products to market.

Header Image: Black Bottle XO Brandy

To know more, visit www.usaspiritsratings.com.