Cognac

Expert Review

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | This crowd-pleasing Cognac has honey and vanilla aromas, plus a touch of violet. The palate is smooth, with luscious undercurrents of vanilla and butterscotch giving way to bold dried apricot and an echo of baking spice on the finish. Sip or mix.

Producer Description 

Courvoisier V.S. is a vibrant and youthful cognac blend that offers an unprecedented sensation with every sip. After maturing for four to seven years, the grapes from the Fins Bois and Petite Champagne give complex, ripe fruit notes and hints of spring flowers and oak accents to the Courvoisier V.S. that is therefore unique in its kind.

Producer Description 

Heavier and weightier with a marked presence, featuring intense notes of pear, tree fruits, vanilla, and to a lesser degree of nutmeg, cinnamon, and oak.

Lovely warm almost enrobing mouthfeel to it, it is heavy, silky, and weighty like on the tongue. All the elements of a good mixing cognac or a casual sipper.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Deep amber and bright in the glass, look for cedar, vanilla bean and coconut accented by peach and a light violet note. It s light and silky, with a bracing flicker of alcohol heat.

Producer Description 

Courvoisier VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) is an elegant and sensual blend of cognacs up to 10 years old from two of the finest crus in the Cognac region. It’s been expertly crafted using a minimum of 50% Grande Champagne grapes blended exclusively with Petite Champagne grapes, entitling it to carry the prestigious ‘Fine Champagne’ designation.

Aroma accounts for around 75% of what we taste, so we take great care to nurture complex aromas throughout our process. Our ‘Le Nez de Courvoisier’ programme highlights three signature aromas for each of our cognacs and traces them back to specific moments in the process.

Vanilla, Dried Fruit, Heady Summer Flowers. Producer Description.

Producer Description

H by Hine is whimsical. If it were a young man, it would have the keen eye of Dick Diver in Fitzgerald’s Tender is the Night. Adventurous, lively and elegant, it is the ideal sidekick for daring cocktails and a flamboyant soloist when served neat with a dash of cold tonic. Expressive yet discreet, its notes of iris, fresh apricot, acacia and white pepper chime with its sprightly and joyful demeanour. Feels like Coachella in a bottle.

H by Hine is a young cognac with a taste for adventure and originality. Serve frozen in a shot glass with sashimi. Or simply over ice with tonic, cider or ginger ale, garnished with a twist of lime, cucumber or rosemary. Add as a surprising twist to a punch when too many friends show up with very little time, or simply drizzle over a fresh peach salad.

Expert Review

Vinous 96 Points | The nose is alive with fresh flowers and mint, along with richer aromas of dried apricot, pastry dough and a hint of rancio. The freshness carries onto the palate, where there’s great linear structure, nuttiness and attractive acidity, and the surprisingly intense grilled walnut finish. This is a lively, drinkable style of XO that offers excellent value. 

Winemaker Description

Wide spectrum of aromas of late summer fruit, combined with rich floral notes of white flowers such as jasmine. The perfect expression of Fine Champagne opulence on the palate with mature flavors of juicy plums and candied oranges, with a hint of hazelnuts and cinnamon. Velvety, rich, and lingering. 

Expert Review

Jason Wilson of Vinous writes | Aged eight to 10 years, this is a traditional VSOP that offers solid value. Amber-colored, with aromas of violet, ginger and vanilla. On the palate, there are rich dessert flavors of gingerbread and orange pound cake, and a decent finish of cinnamon and pepper.  

Producer Description 

Aged eight to 10 years, this is a traditional VSOP that offers solid value. Amber-colored, with aromas of violet, ginger and vanilla. On the palate, there are rich dessert flavors of gingerbread and orange pound cake, and a decent finish of cinnamon and pepper. Producer Description.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | A tribute to 10 generations of the Ferrand family behind the Cognac house, this VSOP is aged in French oak, with 20% in Sauternes casks. It shows a faint butterscotch scent and a languorous honeyed effect across the palate. Each sip opens citrusy and bright, with a drying midpalate that leads to finish a with a surprising meaty, umami-like note, all wrapped in subtle honeycomb.

Producer Description 

Created by Pierre Frapin 100 years ago, Fontpinot cognac has always been a delight to demanding epicureans. As opposed to a ubiquitous passion for planning, roots of the pleasure of tasting continue to work serenely and unstoppably at Frapin. To celebrate the centenary, Cognac Frapin is publishing a limited-edition anniversary packaging. Inspired by the original version, the label brings up to date the symbols of ownership and the colors popular during the Roaring twenties. The bottle is presented in a rough wooden box inspired by the straw-lined crates used at the time.

A real treasure of Cognac Frapin, Fontpinot XO can lay claim to the Chateau appellation because it is made exclusively from grapes harvested, distilled, aged, and bottled at the Chateau Fontpinot. Distillation over lees and a long aging in dry cellars provide its distinct character.

With an average age of over 20 years, this expression has a nose of candied fruit, marzipan, and rancio. The long aging brings toffee, almond butter, and spice to the palate before a long, elegant finish.

Producer Description 

This special and rare cuvee has been bottled especially for Christmas from its oak cask.

This Petite Champagne originates from an old family reserve handed down from father to son beginning with the house's creation in 1872 by Edouard Normandin's great, great grandfather, Jules Normandin.

Normandin Mercier cognacs are matured in the family chateau’s traditional cellars near the town of La Rochelle, the historic medieval port that made Cognac famous many centuries ago. The proximity of the ocean, the natural regulation of hygrometry and oceanic temperature all favor the ageing of the cognacs, giving them fullness, elegance and a unique character.

Producer Description 

Each bottle of Domain De Canton begins with a selection of only the finest, fresh baby Vietnamese ginger. It is then blended with herbs, spices and cognac to unlock it's fresh essence.

The Hardy XO Rare Cognac is part of the 'Tradition' Range by the House of Hardy. The blend is superbly aged with a beautiful amber color and incredible smoothness of taste. A real treat for all the senses, it delights with it's good looks, tantalising aromas, ever-evolving palate and satisfyingly long finish.

Presented in a contemporary decanter-style bottle, it displays beautifully atop a drinks cabinet.  As with all Hardy Cognac, this represents exceedingly good value for money. It's one of the signature aspects of their offerings - almost unbelievable high quality for the price.

 Luxurious blend of Grande and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie aged up to 25 years. With rich notes of dried apricot, vanilla, toffee, and a smooth, lingering finish, this refined Cognac makes a memorable gift for any occasion.

Producer Description 

Born from the cask and named after a royal approval, Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal is a truly distinctive cognac; particularly smooth with a blend of uniquely oaky eaux-de-vie.

This unique blend of Rémy Martin1738 Accord Royal commemorates the reward of excellence bestowed on Rémy Martin by King Louis XV of France in 1738.

Particularly smooth, with a blend of uniquely oaky eaux-de-vie. The long and particularly soft barrel toasting brings extraordinary smoothness to 1738 Accord Royal, as well as subtle notes of toasted bread, vanilla and brioche.

1738 Accord Royal can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail.

CLASSIC COCKTAIL

Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal is especially recommended for classic cocktails such as the Sidecar, the Collins, or in signature cocktails made by the most talented bartenders. 1738 Accord Royal mixes marvelously with citrus flavors.

Producer Description 

Elaborated from the finest terroirs in Cognac which are Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois whose harvests took place during the decade of 1990. 

Lot n°90 owes its unique character to long aging in oak barrels, which gives it richness and complexity, the main grape variety being Ugni Blanc. 

To the eye, Ce Cognac already offers a beautiful, seductive golden color. 

The attack on the nose, very fresh, reveals notes of pear and quince, which evolve towards herbaceous elements, aromas of fruit Secs, nuts and almonds. 

As for the palate, it is firm, of good length, powerful, reflecting the aromas presented by the nose: a quality Cognac, typical and young.

Producer Description 

Over one century and four generations, the Tesseron family have developed a treasury of knowledge, tradition and family secrets to create a collection of exceptional XO cognacs. With this unique heritage as their guide, Alfred and Melanie Tesseron, the current keepers of the family flame, are driven by a passion and their desire to share it with you.

Tesseron Passion XO Cognac is a unique blend created from the grape variety grown in their vineyards, Ugni Blanc. It is light and balanced with notes of spices.

Producer Description 

Bursts of summer florals typical of this region. Linden flowers, elderflower and apple blossom are followed by ripe orchard fruits. Freshness and youth. On both the nose and palate, enjoy the combination of fruits and floral - pears, apples, and a hint of linden flowers. 

Light yellow colour, vine flower and fruity taste (pear, apple). Powerful but round and smooth, Light and delicate tannins.

Winemaker Description 

This sippable, dark gold Cognac offers aromas of butterscotch, dried apricot and golden raisins. The flavors grow even bolder and rounder on the exit, warmed by a cinnamon spark.

Floral, fruity aromas lead to hints of toffee, anise.

Distilled entirely from fruit grown in Cognac’s Petite Champagne appellation & aged a minimum of 7 years in French oak, this is an elegant, fresh brandy from a historic family-owned house. 

Producer Description 

Nuance and complex, this shows a floral lilt up front, sequeing into more substantial vanilla and honey aromas.

The palate is relatively dry, with cocoa and leather lightening to ginger spice and hints of tropical fruit.

Producer Description

Tesseron Lot 76 Tradition XO Cognac is an exceptional blend of reserve stocks of Grande Champagne Cognac, matured to perfection in old casks. Very clear and bright in the glass with alluring aromas that present a sensation of fruit compote layered with hints of honey and leather, all lifted by floral tones – very elegant. On the palate it is generous on attack, and presents a wonderful, spicy vitality, complementing a harmonious, rounded style.

Expert Review

Producer Description

Made solely with the two best 'cru' of Cognac, Grande and Petite Champagne, 'Composition' reveals a truly magnificent terroir driven taste profile. Fresh, elegant, suave and aromatic. 'Composition' is an artistic visionary work with a natural balance of strength, smoothness and all the attributes you can expect from a Cognac carefully crafted by the Tesseron family house.

Producer Description

This three-year-old bottling from AOC Domfrontais is made from 70% pears and hearkens back to old-school Calvados in the best sense. Light amber in color, the nose is wild and rustic, with earthy aromas of poached pear, pear skin, along with toffee and crème brûlée. In the mouth, there’s great acidity, fresh fruit, along with green, herbal notes, and a pop of fresh fennel on the attractive finish. 

Eye: Beautiful straw yellow color.

Nose: Aromas of vine flower & linden with a touch of vanilla.

Palate: Round, rich, and harmoniously balanced. Fresh, original, with notes of vanilla and toast.

Expert Review

Jason Wilson of Vinous writes 96 Points | Falling between VS and VSOP level, this four- to five-year-old is light golden and simple. It’s fruity on the nose and a little grapey, and on the palate, there’s a lot of creamy vanilla and a touch of spice. Not particularly a cocktail brandy due to its price. It is what it is. 

Producer Description

Rémy Martin Tercet is a unique Cognac Fine Champagne blended from aromatic eaux-de-vie with notes of fresh and tropical fruits. Reflecting the House style, Tercet lights up a new path for cognac.

Three talents came together to create Rémy Martin Tercet: our Cellar Master, Master Distiller and Wine Master. Three men of their time, each carrying the heritage of generations of Masters before them, combined their unique expertise to reveal the best of what nature offers.

A singular Cognac Fine Champagne, bold, fresh and fruit forward with a surprisingly long finish.

Rémy Martin Tercet can be enjoyed neat to reveal its boldness, with one large ice cube to enhance its freshness, or paired with fresh pineapple or in a pineapple dessert to reveal its roundness.

Expert Review

Forbes Magazine: This is an exceptionally smooth Cognac. Matured for four years. On the nose, it offers up rich floral aromas of violet, jasmine, roses, white flowers and peonies, along with intense fruity notes of sweet caramel apples, honey and both fresh and dried fruit, especially prune, peach and apricot, along with Sauterne like notes of golden raisin and fig, as well as some passion fruit and a touch of vanilla. There is also an earthy, black tea like quality in the background, and a hint of waxiness.

Recently, Camus, the largest of the family owned Cognac producers, released a new addition to its core range of Cognacs—labeled Intensely Aromatic. The Cognacs were the culmination of a two-decade long effort to craft Cognacs that are notably more aromatic and flavorful than the norm.

Camus’ Cognacs have always had a reputation for being particularly aromatic. To further enhance that character Camus developed a proprietary distillation protocol, which it calls “Intensity,” that measurably increases the concentration of terpenes and esters in their Cognac, producing what the company describes as an “instant of intensity.”

Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds, produced by a variety of plants. They are closely associated with floral aromas. Esters are chemicals produced by the interaction of alcohols and fatty acids, and are closely associated with fruity aromas.

In crafting Intensely Aromatic, the firm utilized older casks made from lightly toasted, fine grained oak. The age and toasting of the casks minimized the aroma and flavor components that were contributed by the cask wood and further enhanced the prominence of fruit and floral aromas.

Producer Description 

Intense, powerful and well-balanced. Some salty notes with hints of dried fruits and exotic spices.

The Landier family traces their winegrowing roots in the region back to 1890, when Rémi's grandfather Julien Girard settled in the town of Cors and planted his first vines. Throughout the 1900s, the family continued to grow their vineyards and began work on the distillery; in 1973 the Rémi Landier brand was launched by his son, Jean-Yves.

Today, the Cognac house is still family-owned and managed by its fifth generation, Géraldine Landier.

PM Spirits founder Nicolas Palazzi, aka Captain Cognac, met Géraldine some years ago while she was working for European spirit purveyors extraordinaire La Maison du Whisky. While traveling in France, Nicolas was introduced to Géraldine by good friend and master cooper Jean-Noel Pelletan.

Sensing a forward-thinking open-mindedness, Nicolas stayed in touch with Géraldine who eventually moved from Paris back to Cognac to help run the family business. When we first began brainstorming producers with whom to work with on COLLAB releases, Rémi Landier was a no-brainer.

These releases represent the start of something new and pay homage to a Cognac house which has, since its inception, shared the same values and ethos that PM Spirits was built on.

This VSOP Cognac was aged for over five years in a combination of used French oak and toasted, new French Oak barrels. It is a single terroir Fins Bois Cognac with no additives, bottled exclusively for PM Spirits and the US market. Producer Description. 

Producer Description 

Matured in French oak casks for at least 20 years, Remi Landier XO Artisanal Cognac is a blend of Fins Bois eaux-de-vie that has aromas of violet, honeysuckle and dried apricots on the nose. The palate offers notes of orange, cinnamon, oak, gingerbread and summer flowers. 

Expert Review

94 Points Wine Enthusiast | Rich, comforting caramel and vanilla aromas show that there's plenty of oak influence in this Cognac. The palate entices with caramel, cocoa and espresso, leading into a long, fudgy finish with hints of baking spice, orange peel, almond and coconut. Grande Champagne region.

Producer Description 

Long ago, in the 19th century, Cognac producers such as Elie Ferrand (8th generation) used a variety of casks to create a fascinating range of taste and complexity. Reviving this forgotten tradition, Ferrand Réserve is first aged in classic Cognac barrels and further matured in Banyuls barrels. This ancient technique creates a one-of-a-kind cognac that highlights the myriad nuances of the legendary “Rancio Charentais” with aromas of nuts, prune, and spice. Complex and meditative, it is the perfect sipping Cognac. Producer Description.