Cognac Paul Giraud XO

I like this. Stealing from @Mollie-Distiller and saying this smells and tastes like apples that have fallen and are starting to ferment. Had with @salvatore8

Despite claiming 25 years in the barrel, they haven't managed to get the alcoholic sharpness of a young cognac out of this one, and it's almost overwhelming. Having said that, there is a lovely initial taste of dried fruits and smoke, followed by a gorgeous lingering sweet vanilla finish that stays around for a while.