Christian Drouin 1997 Calvados, Pays d’Auge
Brilliant, deep amber color. The aromatics are quite fresh and youthful with ripe, whole apples in the lead supported by scents of bright citrus, spring flowers, and blanched nuts with hints of oak and allspice. The palate echoes the nose delivering a bright and ripe fruit-driven core with the Pommeau influence being quite evident. The flavors linger on with spice notes of allspice and cinnamon rising with a dose of rancio on the finish. Medium to full-bodied displaying perfect balance as the rich fruit and spice are equaled by bright acidity and oak. $163.99 – 4.5 Stars
Gautier VS Cognac
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant bronze color. The nose is quite pretty with waves of fruits ranging from poached pears to tropical fruits with a touch of peach marmalade, ginger biscuits, and dried apricot with hints of vanilla and cocoa nibs. The palate certainly echoes the nose delivering a fruit-forward core with waves of brown baking spices, toasted oak, and and subtle pepper accents. Medium-bodied with a perfect balance of flavors, as well as balanced acidity to ripe fruit. $34.99 – 4 Stars
Gautier VSOP Cognac
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant amber color. The aromatics are beautiful and intense with baked orchard fruits (apple, pear, and peach) leading the way supported by caramel, vanilla, dried fruits, subtle earth notes, and spicy oak. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a fruit-driven core with waves of caramel and toffee, accented with brown baking spices, dark chocolate, a hint of ginger, and orange peel. Medium to full-bodied with a lush core while exhibiting a great vibrancy thanks to a generous dose of acidity and bright spice notes. $49.99 – 4.5 Stars
Gautier Gold & Blue XO Cognac
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep amber color. The aromatics are simply amazing offering a marriage of fruit and spice that can only be found in an elite spirit with extended aging. Scents of cinnamon accented baked fruits, rich caramel, and dried tropical fruits fill the nose supported by dark chocolate, earth, leather, mineral, and oak. The palate fully concurs with the nose delivering a lush and decadent fruit-centric core with gorgeous flanking notes of brown baking spice, toffee, cocoa, vanilla, and toasted oak. Full-bodied with a lush, creamy core balanced with acid, spice, and delicate citrus zest accents. $134.99 – 5 Stars
Père Magloire Fine V.S. Calvados
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is very floral and fruity with many expressions of apple offered such as juice, fresh picked apple, and baked apples. The palate surely echoes the nose delivering a lush and sweet apple-focused core with lovely wood-derived notes of caramel and brown baking spices. Medium-bodied with long, lingering fruit notes capped by a slightly tart dose of acidity that keeps it fresh and balanced. $34.99 – 3.5 Stars
Grand Marnier Titanium Flavored Cognac
Deep golden peach color with perfect clarity. The nose is filled with the scents of sweet, concentrated orange and tangerine with hints of baked peach, candied ginger, brown baking spices, and vanilla. Despite the rich fruit notes found in the aromatics this spirit is totally dry. On the palate the fruit notes are quite subtle with the spices taking center stage offering soft pepper notes with pithy citrus sensations. A full departure from the classic GM approach that seems to be built to be base of contemporary cocktails. Medium-bodied with bright fruit and spice notes. null$39.99 – 3 Stars
Christian Brothers Sacred Bond – Bottled in Bond American Brandy
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, crystal clear. The nose is rich with the scents of red and black berries with notes of plum, vanilla bean, fig, nougat, marzipan, allspice, and black currant jam. The palate fully confirms the nose delivering a rich, fruit-focused core with waves of sweet vanilla, brown baking spices, and spicy/sweet oak. Being bottled at 50% abv it is quite intense while still being very nuanced and complex with perfect balance and great length. $24.99 – 5 Stars
Poli Distillerie Uva Viva Italiana di Poli Grape Brandy
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is incredibly floral offering scents of cherry blossom, ripe pear, peach, mineral, apricot, and hints of raw apple. The palate is in full agreement with the nose while the flavors are more generous than the aromatics delivering waves of pure stone fruits with apple and pear as well. The vibrant flavors linger on for minutes on the finish. Medium-bodied with a rich but vibrant fruit-driven core offering perfect balance with a generous dose of bright acidity. $70 – 5 Stars
Poli Distillerie Jacopo Poli Moscato Grape Brandy
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is filled with the scents of exotic tropical flowers, fresh savory herbs, orange blossom, white peach, and citrus zest with a hint of mineral. The palate echoes the nose delivering a vibrant fruit-driven core that captures the essence of a dense floral bouquet with generous citrus zest and soft mineral notes. Medium to full-bodied with a rich but vibrant Moscato-driven core offering perfect balance with a generous dose of bright acidity. $86 – 5 Stars
Poli Distillerie Sarpa di Poli Grappa
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is incredibly floral with fresh scents of savory herbs (tarragon and peppermint jump out), rose petals, aloe, citrus zest, and mineral. The palate fully concurs with the nose delivering a zesty, rustic fruit, and herbal core with generous citrus notes adding dimension and a peppery punch. Medium-bodied with a rich and slightly chewy core offering perfect balance with a generous dose of bright acidity. $53 – 4 Stars
