I'm loathe to give such a high rating for this when the only other cognac I've ever tried was Hennessey. But all I know is that it was leagues better than Hennessey, and much more to my taste. The fact it's made with dry champagne is very clear. I'm not a wine drinker but I do enjoy the flavor of dry champagnes. So to have this blended with dark barrel aged liquor is pure bliss.