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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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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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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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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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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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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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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
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Calvados Adrien Camut 18 Year
Distiller Score 97
Out of all of Camut's line this might be the best. There is still plenty of delicious baked apple fruit that the younger expressions show, but it is now joined by a healthy dose of spicy oak and a touch of nutty rancio. Quite simply, this Calvados has it all. Its 40% alcohol seems almost undetectable, all one experiences is a rich, warming drink of concentrated apple and toffee goodness. Bravo to the Camut family for making a spirit so exuberantly youthful, but incredibly refined without becoming woody, tannic, or tired.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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ABK6 Extra Cognac
Distiller Score 94
This medium-amber colored cognac gives off quite a whiff of incense at the beginning. However, the palate evens out, with rich flavors of toffee, vanilla, citrus peel, stewed stone fruits and dried figs. A touch of fresh honey keeps the pronounced woody nuances in check. The finish is somewhat drying in keeping with older cognac, but enough of it lingers on to beg for additional sips.
Reviewed by Amanda Schuster
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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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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