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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Domaine d'Aurensan Armagnac 20 Ans
Distiller Score 97
This is a beautiful example of armagnac from the Ténarèze. It sits in the glass with a beautiful mahogany with hints of ruby. On the palate this is a "rancio bomb" with heady flavors of sandalwood, baked prune, candied praline and a long, comforting finish with a touch of spice. Bravo to the Rozès family for a truly astonishing example of armagnac blending.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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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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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