Continuing on my brandy kick I wanted to officially sample cognac. Hennessy XO sounds like a ubiquitous crowd pleaser but $200 seems a bit outrageous. Maybe some day. For now this caught my eye. I love their dry curaçao and their Amber has positive reviews. That said, I love wood and earthy notes and hopes this would take things up a notch. And that it did. The color is relatively light, in between an unadulterated scotch and a bourbon. The nose is absolutely full of orange, lemon blossom, milk chocolate, pecans, vanilla, and just a slight bit of oak. This. The mouthfeel is viscous, rich, warm and coating. This is what I was hoping for. The flavor is big and a bit abrasive at first (drinks slightly above its proof). There is creamy nougat, oak, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, and only faint grape jam. No off flavors to speak of - no ethanol, no metallic sulfur, nothing. Just all-around goodness. The finish is lasting with more nougat, milk chocolate, orange and slight tobacco finish. What am experience. This is a liquid confection. I’m officially sold on Cognac not being something to fear for sale of a mouthful of flint, copper pennies and alcohol as I remember it from years ago. At the price I feel like I’m getting what I would ask from a comparably priced top shelf-bourbon. Now time to come up with a silk robe, snifter and mustache - none of which I have but oddly want right now.