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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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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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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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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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Baron Gaston Legrand Bas Armagnac 1984
Distiller Score 96
Roasted pecan and hazelnut, tarte tatin, lemon peel, herbs, and cigar-locker notes appear on the bouquet. The mouthfeel is rich and creamy with flavors of hazelnut, marzipan, oak, dried apples, cedar, and tea spices to complement clover honey, and orange blossom notes. The finish is long and satisfying, and bring cinnamon, a bit of cedar, and some more cigar notes.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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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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Baron Gaston Legrand Bas Armagnac 1975
Distiller Score 91
Rich hazelnut and vanilla fill the glass, as secondary aromas of chocolate fudge, walnuts, honey and orange peel emerge. On the palate, more roasted nut flavors mix with warm caramel, cinnamon, pear and roasted coffee flavors. The finish brings fresh mint, caramel apple, and nougat before a final, bitter chocolate note.
Reviewed by Distiller Staff
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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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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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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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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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Charbay Brandy No. 89
Distiller Score 93
For a brandy that's spent 24 years in oak, Charbay No. 89 retains retains remarkable fruit character. With hints of bruleed sugar on the nose, it unfolds on the palate with notes of pear, jasmine, and vanilla. A gentle woodsiness comes out on the finish. This is a finely balanced brandy that leaves one eager for another sip.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier