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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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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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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
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Chateau de Leberon 1964 Armagnac Ténarèze
Distiller Score 98
At over five decades, this Armagnac is a kaleidoscope of rancio, pimento, five-spice, anise candy, and preserved fig. The alcohol has broken down completely to a warm, glycerol, tide softly washing the dark flavors across the palate. The finish continues to reverberate the earlier flavors and lasts and lasts and lasts. Only 120 liters exist. The perfect birth year splurge that could be enjoyed for years to come.
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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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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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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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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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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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
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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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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