Tastes

On the eye, it is amber but looks a bit pale. On the nose, it smells of fruit -dried fruit, like raisins, and hints of wood. There's also that distinct sweet scent that reminds me of de Jerez brandies that I have tried. On the palate, the scents are confirmed with a subtle note of vanilla at the end. I just revisited the Cardenal Mendoza last night and found this comparably younger and less oily. It is cheaper and is a good alternative to younger de Jerez brandies.

I popped this bottle which I've been keeping to celebrate a recent special event. It's from Trusart, a Cognac House with German origins. If I am not mistaken, this is their second release, 'Encore Une Fois.' Although not designated with an age, the blend of this cognac consists of eau de vie with age of 15 to 25 years from the Grande Champagne. On the eye, if I may say, is quite similar as the other cognacs, but with a lighter shade at that. Nosing it gave me pear, dried fruit, and orange peel. As for the palate, I was surprised to find softness in the texture. There were pears, oranges, and with a very slight nuttiness at the finish. Letting it sit for a while made it softer and sweeter.

On the eye, this brandy has a dark tone. It smells fruitier than woody. As for the taste, my key take away is that Cardenal Mendoza has a rich and flavorful profile. I get sherry and a fruity sweetness. It also reminds me of prunes.

This spirit has a nice amber color. I get hazelnut and woodiness on the nose —which also nicely appeared on the palate. On the palate, I got a bit of dates or perhaps prunes.

Appearance: mid to dark shade of mahogany. Scent: Earthy and woody at first smell. Letting it settle in the glass gave me a softer sweeter scent, reminiscent of dried/candied fruits. Mouthfeel: Smooth. Taste: I get a caramel taste that is not overpowering, a bit of oak, and has a long, sweet finish.

This is a young brandy. The sniff followed by its first swirl would show your nose its youth. It jumps at you with its fruitiness —I got some orange peels, a bit of banana, and vanilla. All of which transitioned nicely in the palate upon sipping. It has a long sweet finish. I would say this is slightly thicker than the younger Solera brandies I've had but has the same sweetness. I had a bottle served following a Spanish-themed dinner and it proved itself a good digestif for all my friends.

It is feisty. I found it spicy and complex in the palate. I also get some caramel and vanilla when swirling it in my mouth. Not sure if I would call it salt, but the finish is similar to that. It is a good cognac, but I can't have too much of this. I think this is perfect for an occasional drink.

Another late check-in for me. I should be more regular in this app. The blend gives off a young fruity brandy but also indulges you with some spice and wood. It is light on the snifter and enjoyable to sip. It is not pricey as well. But for low cost bottles, Fundador still takes the cake in my opinion.

This is a late check in. I tasted it in Christmas last year and I still have the bottle. It is still very much a cognac with some notes that are attributable to whisky. I get Bourbon notes and some mint (?). The bourbon cask definitely gave it an enhanced aroma. It is rich, a bit creamy, smooth and rounded in the palate. The after taste is sweet.

This is a late check-in. It is noticeably more old and sophisticated than the younger Carlos I. The woody notes are more pronounced but I still get that hint of Cacao. This is more leathery as well.