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Lhéraud Cognac 1974 Grand Champagne
Distiller Score 89
Nutmeg, allspice, dried fig, papaya, and tart candied citrus peel are just some of the layers this Cognac meets the nose with as it unfolds in the glass. The tangy, fruit-leather character all but disappears on the palate, replaced with dark, resinous oak, dry spice, and some sandalwood on the back end. With lots of aromatic complexity, well-developed rancio flavors, and a firm, pleasant, balanced texture, the noble pedigree here is obvious, but it's hard to escape the thought that this should have perhaps been taken out of the barrel a few years earlier.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Rémy Martin Louis XIII Cognac
Distiller Score 99
A tantalizing, rich nose unfolds in layers, with a floral bouquet of violets and jasmine followed by butterscotch and creamy vanilla, and finally hints of earthy leather, mushrooms, and oak. The palate is almost sticky and resinous it's so concentrated, offering honey, dates, dried orange peel, fig jam, and nuts, as well as nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger. This continues into a luscious, lengthy finish which evolves as it keeps going and going. Bright bursts of raspberries and another floral flourish at the back, alongside cigar box and well worn leather to close the show.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Delamain Vesper XO Grande Champagne Cognac
Distiller Score 92
The nose is ripe with dried fruit, ripe banana, baking spices and forest floor. On the palate it's rich almost to the point of being chewy and is fairly tannic. The flavors consist of maple, candy apple, lemon peel, fresh figs and burnt sugar. An intense but fairly approachable XO cognac with all of the density and depth you would expect.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Jacky Navarre Vielle Reserve Grande Champagne Cognac
Distiller Score 90
If there was an appropriate time to use the phrase "rancio bomb" it's now. This is a powerful cognac that may come off as a bit bewildering to some tasters. The concentration of nutty, savory flavor over the pretty, white flower character more typical in the region takes a moment to adjust to, but once there you are in for a powerful range of dark violet, crème brûlée, and dried tobacco. This is a unique style of brandy that may not appeal to everyone, but for those who want a truly undiluted cognac experience, this is the real McCoy.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Paul Beau Lignee de Samuel Cognac
Distiller Score 94
The aromas in this cognac are complex and nostalgic. An initial presentation of cedar, cinnamon, and Fig Newtons leads you next into orange peel, soy, and dried dates and cherries. All of these conjure memories of winter holidays. The palate brings a few new notes like potpourri, carrots and sarsaparilla in addition to the winter dessert flavors. This cognac is dense, sweet, funky, and bright with an aspect of umami and an absolutely relentless finish. Oddly, at times this cognac borders on being too complex but if you’re up for a challenge this should absolutely not be missed.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Guillon-Painturaud Renaissance Grande Champagne Cognac
Distiller Score 95
The aromas are rich and intense. The first thing you are presented with is butter but that is quickly followed by rhubarb, ginger, caramel and magic marker (in a good way). There's just as much concentration on the palate with notes of nuts, roasted pear, cacao nibs, orange peel and dates. This cognac is fairly esoteric and very much a thinking person's cognac!
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Martell XO Cognac
Distiller Score 88
The nose offers a spicy, peppery mix with oak. Also find citrus and dried red fruits. The palate offers robust, big flavors, ranging from plums and raisins, to a layered mix of earthy, nutty and lighter rancio flavors. A warm, lengthy finish offers oak, more pepper and spice, along with raisins, figs and added red fruits.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Lhéraud Cuvée 20 Cognac
Distiller Score 96
This fills the nose with an intoxicating, almost overpowering bouquet of savory spice, with turmeric and saffron playing the top register, a little black pepper and gum mastic filling out the middle, and some sweet vanilla and violet providing the foundation. Soft, elegant, and complex in the mouth, the smoothness and delicately viscous texture provide an interesting juxtaposition against fresh, vibrant cedar, gingerbread, and butterscotch, and hints of tar. The finish carries on with the contrast of light but pleasantly viscous texture and raw, dark, resinous flavors.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Cognac Park XO Extra
Distiller Score 95
Cognac Park's "Extra" XO highlights grapes exclusively from the Grande Champagne cru. This an elegant expression, leathery with notes of oak, vanilla, dates, and dark tobacco that emerge throughout a long finish. It's a tight spirit that rewards exploration, allowing its nuances to unfold over time rather than revealing them all at once.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
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Hennessy XO Cognac
Distiller Score 92
There's a hefty layer of spice on the nose, with cinnamon and black pepper, along with citrus zest, and dried fruits. On the palate, find a complex and smooth profile, with dark chocolate and softer vanilla, as well as prunes and red fruits, and sweeter candied fruits. The finish is long, easy and warming, leaving behind cocoa, plums and light touches of spice and oak.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Cognac Dudognon Heritage
Distiller Score 99
A stellar bottle of brandy. Classic cognac flavors of French vanilla, dried violets, and exotic marmalade are joined by rich toffee and spice. Perhaps most importantly, there is also a deep, savory rancio aspect -- the French term to describe a noble oxidation present after long exposure to air and casks. Unlike many other cognacs that are this age on the market, the fruit is still solidly intact and the oak adds spice and complexity, not tannin and bitterness. World classic cognac for lovers of grace and beauty, not necessarily heft and power.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Cognac Paul Giraud Très Rare
Distiller Score 93
Cedar in color, Très Rare has a spicy nose filled with hints of nutmeg and pure vanilla which carry over onto the palate. Slight cinnamon tones and delicate oak notes characterize the taste and make for a pleasant and long-lasting finish.
Reviewed by Katrina Niemisto