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Courvoisier XO Cognac
Distiller Score 90
The influence of the Borderies shines through on the nose, with a honeyed floral bouquet highlighted by violets. The palate is velvety, and somewhat oily, with candied orange peel, vanilla, and blackberries, shifting towards the back with bitter notes of cacao and pistachio shells. The finish offers menthol and spicy, astringent oak, along with dark chocolate-covered raspberries.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac
Distiller Score 91
Find a big, complex nose, with candied fruits, along with oak and a light spiciness, as well as dark chocolate and a deep nuttiness. The palate is smooth and rich, big with raisins and red fruits before moving into oak and faint baking spices which provide a bit of depth. Find almonds and marzipan on a warming finish, along with cinnamon and light pepper.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Maison Surrenne Ancienne Distillery Petite Champagne Cognac
Distiller Score 89
Fresh and floral and fruity notes, specifically peach and green grapes, are found on the nose. Barrel spices are of low-intensity, but present to help add dimension to the brandy. Full, soft, and sweet on your palate, those same initial fruit notes continue with a little orange zest and white chocolate. Only slightly bitter on the finish, this would be well suited for a brandy cocktail or served with a soft cheese plate due to its fruit factor.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Pierre Ferrand Réserve Double Cask Cognac
Distiller Score 90
Lots of fresh stone fruits such as apricots and plums on both the aroma and palate along with white grapes. The French barrel spices make an appearance bringing a bit of complexity to the cognac, but play a minor role. If you are familiar with their previous Réserve, this is quite different with the dessert wine finish really shining through here. The finish is sweet/tart with that touch of gentle barrel spices and the fruit factor is still in play. The price point doesn't really lend this to cocktail use, so sip after dinner or with the cheese course.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Bache-Gabrielsen Sérénité Extra Grande Champagne Cognac
Distiller Score 97
The nose is surprisingly fresh, with rosy floral essences and aromas of earth and ripe fruit. These aromas are reflected on the palate, which gives off generous flavors of ripe red apple, raspberries, and pear. A yeasty, buttery pastry-nuance comes in after a few sips, with rounded notes of vanilla, cashew, walnut and sandalwood that fan out into a long, satisfying finish. For one so mature, this cognac tastes surprisingly youthful and vibrant, yet very elegant and refined.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Augier L'Océanique Cognac
Distiller Score 94
And now for something completely different - salted caramel cognac! Well, at least it tastes of that, as well as dark raisins, a hint of tobacco smoke and milk chocolate. Tart apples come through after a couple of sips, ending in a malty finish that could both fool and delight whisky lovers.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Jean-Luc Pasquet Cognac Grande Champagne L'Organic 07
Distiller Score 92
Aromas of bright, ripe fruit emanate from the glass before they burst onto the palate. Yellow peaches and raspberry mix with aromatic notes of green tea, anise, and a hint of pinecone. The finish is full, fruity, and spicy. It's a phenomenal example of a youthful cognac.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Rémy Martin Tercet
Distiller Score 90
The cognac begins with loads of primary fruit aromas, but there are also a few floral scents and a touch of milk chocolate. It's soft and plush on the palate revealing an orange peel note and light barrel spices which help to provide some depth. Although the Terect is fruit-forward, it isn't one-note. An enjoyable sip which will have you going back for more. A nice addition to the Rémy portfolio.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Hennessy Master Blender's Selection Nº 5
Distiller Score 87
The aroma leans towards primary fruits like apples, pears and melon with a touch of floral and nutty scents. It's got a fairly full and soft body with more fruit and gentle oak. Baking spices are minimal, but adds a touch of bitterness to the otherwise plush and sweet cognac. Dried fruits are found towards the tangy, fresh and vibrant finish.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Maison Surrenne Distillerie Galtaud Borderies
Distiller Score 91
An enchanting and complex nose offers prunes, dark chocolate, citrus peel, and spicy oak. On the silky palate you'll find trail mix with hazelnuts and raisins, along with cocoa powder and coffee grounds, grapes, blackberries, a dash of tropical fruits, and a floral influence dominated by violets. The quick finish is rich and jammy with sugary dried fruits.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Augier Le Singulier Cognac
Distiller Score 89
And now for something completely different! This brandy bursts with grapey flavors and minimal oak influence. Soft tones of vanilla, toasted caramel, and marmalade round it out with just a punctuation of oakiness. The finish is slightly hot, but the juicy flavors allow it to linger on the tongue. This is a very food-friendly style that would be great with cheese or even some roasted fowl.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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Augier Le Sauvage Cognac
Distiller Score 88
This rich and dense cognac has a lot going on. The nose is all tropical fruits, but on the palate, citrus and stone fruit prevails. Both the pulp and peel of tangerine and grapefruit are present, with a bit of nectarine and plum mixed in. Sharp spices of clove and black pepper add to the woody elements of the mix, and bittersweet chocolate adds an earthy tone. The finish is somewhat drying, though the fresh fruit flavors manage to linger.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster