Mathilde XO Orange Liqueur (375ml)

Mathilde Orange XO is produced by Gabriel & Andrieu, the house behind Pierre Ferrand Cognac, and follows a recipe dating back 200 years. Sweet orange peels are first macerated in a high-quality grape spirit to extract their essential oils, then distilled to concentrate that vibrant citrus character. A refined XO (extra old) Cognac is blended in, adding richness and depth, and the liqueur is aged further to let the citrus and brandy fully integrate before bottling at 80 proof (40% ABV). The result is a deep-gold, Cognac-based orange liqueur that sits in the Grand Marnier family rather than the clear, cleaner Cointreau/triple sec style, though it drinks noticeably darker and more subtle-bodied than Grand Marnier itself, with a mellower, less hot character despite its higher-than-average proof. On the nose, expect bright, bold orange zest, candied citrus, and marmalade, layered with vanilla, baking spice, and floral notes. The palate opens honeyed and warm, with rich orange fruit at its core, rounded out by nuttiness, vanilla, and baking spice drawn from the Cognac base, while a welcome streak of bitter orange peel cuts through the sweetness to keep everything balanced. The finish is remarkably long, closing on butterscotch, subtle wood, and lingering citrus zest, voluptuous and rounded, with enough structure from the oak-aged Cognac to keep the sweetness in check.