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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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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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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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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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Harvest Spirits Cornelius Cherry Brandy
Distiller Score 86
The Bing cherry influence can not be overemphasized, and the spirit shows a spectrum of the fruit’s flavors from the acidic crunch of the skins to the earthy, hazelnut and dark chocolate character of the pits. Unfortunately the cherry’s intensity hijacks some of the apple base that Harvest Spirits does so well. By all means, cherry lovers should rejoice and one would be hard pressed to find a more intense cherry experience.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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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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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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Reisetbauer Carrot Eau-de-Vie
Distiller Score 96
Raw carrots, roasted carrots, steamed carrots--all of these aromas and tastes come to mind upon encountering this spirit. You'll find this "carrot-ness" rounded out by fennel greens, hops, and burnt walnuts. The palate is a bit more decadent with flavors of caramel, clotted cream, vanilla, and deep-roasted carrot drizzled with honey and hazelnuts (though, of course, the spirit is not sweet). This is a truly fascinating product that is worth your attention.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Bonollo Grappa OF Amarone Barrique
Distiller Score 88
The dense, golden color of this grappa is a good hint to its rich and decadent character. Some of the spirit’s initial earthy flavors are there, but more present is the plush influence of oak which shows as vanilla and toasted saw dust. The time in wood has also unlocked more rich fruit flavors such as roasted fig, golden raisins, and apple crumb cake. Perhaps a bit heavy on the barrel flavors for people looking for an invigorating end to a meal, but for those who want something with a bit more pizzaz, this is a knockout.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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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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Copper & Kings Blue Sky Mining Brandy
Distiller Score 90
Tropical fruits lead on the nose with melons and papaya. There's also grape jelly, rose water, raspberries and blackberries, and blooming flowers. The palate is rich and fruity, with more of those wine and jammy notes, and the oak making its presence felt with a drier, spicier background. A long, smooth finish shows some heat, with notes of bubblegum, more tropical fruit, and bits of pepper, spice, and oak.
Reviewed by Jake Emen