Review #32 - Brandy / Cognac #5 Bought in 50ml bottle, light golden colour, more honest than the more commercialised brands on the market. Reasonably oily in the glass with long legs. Nose - Very potent and fragrant, light, sweet, fruity, not as alcohol forward as I expected (although the alcohol is still present), white grapes, some oak, some spice, and oiliness...perhaps with a very very light woody bitterness as well. Palate - smooth, light, very spicy on the front end, maybe with oaky woodiness with an oily taste. It then quickly gives way to sweetness and fruit (grapes, perhaps some pear). Finish - Short-medium, a lot longer than expected, dry, with an underlying spice, some dry woodiness and dried fruit, maybe figs and plums (allergies make it hard to pinpoint exactly :) ) on the aftertaste. For me, it is too spicy initially, but it quickly mellows out with sweeter aromas which are balanced much better. I have never tasted a VS so far (more experience with XO vinars, Metaxa expressions and some Remy Martin VSOP and Braastad VSOP), and I personally expected it to be much harsher and alcohol forward, especially from what I have seen so far in reviews. The alcohol is not an issue, more so the rather unbalanced spiciness on the front end, but overall it is very pleasant. Makes me genuinely curious with regards to the smoothness, complexity and refinement of the XO... Rating System: 5.0 - Perfect 4.5 - Exceptional 4.0 - Very Good 3.5 - Good 3.0 - Decent 2.5 - Average 2.0 - Below Average 1.5 - Barely Drinkable 1.0 - Undrinkable 0.5 - JB