Mathilde Mathilde Orange XO NV 750ml

Burnished gold in the glass, this liqueur has a bright lemon and orange peel fragrance. The first honeyed sips warm all the way down, showing rich, rounded nuttiness melded with vanilla, baking spice and just a subtle hint of lemon peel on the exit. Nice sweetener for any drink made with brown spirits. Made from a brandy base and sweet orange peels.

Last reviewed in 2003 and rated Three Stars. Color is burnt orange/amber hue; excellent clarity. Sports a pleasingly orangey first aroma that's tart, zesty, a touch on the marmalade side; second whiffs pick up more of the orange pulp element. Entry is acidic, tart, citrusy, substantial; midpalate offers a foundational flavor of cognac that nearly balances with the orange presence, but not quite. Finishes with a cognac flourish that minimizes the orange aspect a bit too much. Good and recommendable, to be clear, but not the type of orange liqueur that works especially well in cocktails because it itself is too dominate and not a team player.