-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Davidoff XO Cognac
Distiller Score 88
This cognac has a vibrant, deep amber hue and aromas of prune, dried apricots and spice cookies. On the palate it's silky, with a balanced flavor that mirrors its aroma—expect dried stone fruits, baking spice, extra-dark chocolate and oak. It has a pleasingly rich finish and an enveloping warmth.
Reviewed by Anna Archibald