Courvoisier Cognac XO ($200)

Courvoisier Cognac XO ($200)

Proper Cognac is a sublime blend of four components: wood, spice, floral, and fruit. What sets exceptional Cognac like this XO apart is the seamless melding of each of the four components without making any one of them the star player. This XO fills all these...
Cognac Park Carte Blanche VS ($45)

Cognac Park Carte Blanche VS ($45)

As an entry-level Cognac, Maison Park does a very good job. This is a young Cognac, not an ultra aged iteration. Lots of resin dominates this with additional light floral tones and a touch of pepper spice. There are also soft notes of apricot, sugared almond, muted...
D’Usse Cognac XO ($150)

D’Usse Cognac XO ($150)

Cognac has long been a traditional spirit, made in traditional ways (French law is quite specific as to how), but there has been a move in the last decade to make a newer version – one that is more aggressive and less nuanced. That doesn’t mean bad, just...
Courvoisier Cognac VSOP ($42)

Courvoisier Cognac VSOP ($42)

You don’t have to be a ladies’ man to enjoy this fine cognac, but you’ll see why Tim Meadow’s famed SNL character was a big fan from the first nosing.  The aromatic profile leans more toasty than sweet, as it should at this grade, with notes of apple and...
Courvoisier Cognac XO ($150)

Courvoisier Cognac XO ($150)

This bottling has scored once again, taking a Platinum Award with a score of 95 at the 2024 San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge. I reviewed it back in July of 2021, and on retesting, my text, along with my slightly higher personal score, still ring...
Tycoon Cognac VS ($45)

Tycoon Cognac VS ($45)

The VS designation in Cognac means less time aging in a barrel that other designations, but as this fine bottle shows, it doesn’t mean less quality, flavor or satisfaction factor.  The Tycoon brings a soft texture that carries a rich translation of the aromatic...