XO brandy

The finest spirit distilled from grapes, XO Extra Old cognac is aged in oak casks for >6 years; longer than VS and VSOP.  16thC Dutch shipmaster created brandy when he concentrated wine by burning off most of the water to save valuable cargo space (brandwijn = burnt wine).  Prices rises likely, as 3 major disasters in 6 years in Cognac, France: May 2018  & Jul 2013 hailstorms, Apr 2017 frost

Guessed the Word?                Series 27 (3/7)                 [pic: cognac.fr]