Only slightly more palatable than E&J VS. This at least resembles cognac enough to be recognizable as in the style of cognac. Still way too harsh with the ethanol bite, and way too medicinal with the fruit notes. I could sip this if there were no other option, and it makes a passable brandy Alexander, but for me, the extra money is worth it to go up the next level for the Courvoisier VS (my standard house cognac).