A lot of people look down at E&J. Maybe they had a bad experience, maybe they don't like the taste, but glad I'm not them. XO color delivers a medium golden brown color with light rim. Overly sweet scents of caramel reminiscent of a caramel apple store in the mall. After you get past the caramel, notes of banana, allspice, and nutmeg arrive with a peppery finish. Sweet mouthful of vanilla, anise and light heat. The aftertaste lingers. It's a solid budget friendly Brandy.