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Eric Bordelet Selection "Henri Bernard Beudin" 1997 Single Cask Calvados
Distiller Score 99
The best Calvados retain an apple fruit quality in a way that the best Armagnac and Cognac do not reflect with grape. The aromatics here soar with a pure orchard fruit that shifts back and forth from luscious, candied, apple preserves and more savory autumn flavors of wood smoke. The 53% alcohol never betrays itself and the spirit is surprisingly drinkable for its strength and concentration. In a similar trick, the 18 years in wood have left only the slightest hint of oak tannin and seems to have focused and enhanced the fruit instead of obscuring it with vanilla. Highest recommendation, best in class.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Jean & Roger Glemet 1979 Cognac
Distiller Score 98
This is an incredibly hedonistic style of cognac with notes of condensed toffee, summer flowers, and rich chocolate milk. That is not to say that this is a "sweet" spirit -- supple but refined wood tannins give this brandy an incredible complexity and a long, indulgent finish with a creamy concentration. This is a world class cognac -- absolutely worth the splurge!
Reviewed by John Rankin
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CAMUS XO Borderies Single Estate
Distiller Score 90
CAMUS XO Borderies Single Estate is a beautiful red-hued mahogany in the glass. The nose is fruity upfront, with grape jelly, peaches and cream, candied pineapples, and violets, along with an earthy underside, with wet soil, leather, and oak. The palate continues the fruity profile with quince and dried apricots plus sweetness from agave syrup and cane sugar, along with cedar and peppermint. The finish is pleasant though short, with tannic, spicy oak, and dark chocolate covered raspberries.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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HINE Antique XO 100th Anniversary 1920-2020
Distiller Score 93
Aromas of sweet meadow flowers and ripe orchard fruits billow straight from the glass. More soothing aromatics like honeysuckle and rose petal mix with earthy tobacco and black tea notes before landing on a ripe fruit (soft pear, apricot, fresh green grapes and golden apple) cushion. The finish is honeyed and spicy, with a faint walnut rancio and more of that ripe orchard fruit.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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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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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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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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Frérot Extra Grand Champagne Cognac
Distiller Score 88
Violets and irises offer a floral opening to the nose, followed by raspberries, butterscotch, beeswax, and a bit of musty old cellar. The palate begins softly, showing a basket of orchard fruits—apples, pears, plums—and moving into caramel, maple syrup, and towards the back, leathery and earthy flavors. The finish lingers with honey-drizzled fruits, cacao, chai, and tannic oak.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Charbay Brandy No. 83
Distiller Score 97
Quite aromatic on the nose with fruit, especially golden raisins, melon, and red fruit. You can smell lightly toasted French oak as well enticing you to take a sip. The flavor of the brandy is fruit-filled with the age of the brandy revealing itself in more of a dried fruit (dates, raisins, cherry) profile and warming gentle baking spices peppered throughout. The brandy is decidedly soft and easy to drink with a long lasting finish of more dried fruit. A real treat to taste so purchase if you see it.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Ñusta Pisco
Distiller Score 97
The aromatic notes of the Italia grape are present on the nose, with citrus, lemongrass, pears, melons, and tropical fruits, along with a hint of black pepper. The palate is luxuriously smooth and well-rounded, with rose petals, more citrus, floral and herbal notes, and a fuller, earthier side. It all leads to a long, warm, soothing finish.
Reviewed by Jake Emen
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Gauthier Tres Vieux Grande Champagne Cognac
Distiller Score 86
The aroma is full of dried fruits mixed well with barrel spices, and though this isn't incredibly complex, it is satisfying. Golden dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and prunes stand out in particular and this follows suit on the taste. Dark honey comes in to tie everything together along with gentle barrel spices and there is a warmth that continues on the long finish which ends up on the bitter side.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Guillon Painturaud Hors d'Age Cognac
Distiller Score 92
The aromatics are borderline hypnotic. Ever evolving notes of sandalwood, leather, dried figs, and orange rind begin your journey before anise, dried flowers, and vanilla show up. The palate is deep and complex with more figs, sweet potatoes, and baking spices. Tobacco, dried herbs, and a seemingly never ending array of flavors seem to be discovered with each additional sip. Elegant and precisely balanced, this is an absolutely beautiful cognac with which to spend your evening.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat