Branson Cognac VSOP Royal ($60)

Branson Cognac VSOP Royal ($60)

by | Jul 6, 2022 | Cognac

Sweet caramel, butterscotch, honeysuckle and browned butter lead off in the nose. A rich, deeper, almost almond sugar note takes over on the palate, which is both compelling and direct as this is not a subtle Cognac. There is lemon citrus, resin, mandarin orange,...
Frapin Cognac Fontpinot XO ($125)

Frapin Cognac Fontpinot XO ($125)

by | Jun 23, 2022 | Cognac

The Frapin family has been in the Cognac region since the late 1200s. Currently they control 240 hectares of vine planted in “crumbly chalk.” Each decision is made, “by the nose,” master distiller Patrice Piveteau told me when I visited. “I don’t like Cognac or...
Branson Cognac VSOP Royal ($60)

Branson Cognac, Royal VSOP ($60)

by | Apr 18, 2022 | Cognac, Uncategorized

So much pleasure is derived by the aromatics in fine Cognac that sipping it can seem almost anti-climactic. This bottle, the fourth from this producer to grace our pages, delivers the goods on the nose before even raising it close.  Orange peel, nut,...
Branson Phantom VS Cognac ($50)

Branson Phantom VS Cognac ($50)

by | Jul 23, 2021 | Cognac

Made from Ugni Blanc grapes grown in various vineyard sites through out the Cognac region, Phantom goes through pot still distillation and is then aged in young French oak. Citrus and wood notes dominate initially, along with browned butter, Madagascar villa bean,...
Courvoisier VS Cognac ($30)

Courvoisier VS Cognac ($30)

by | Jul 21, 2021 | Cognac

Bold and expressive for an entry level Cognac, this hits every note. It offers cinnamon, nutmeg, spice notes, apple, Asian pear, white peach, light oak and floral notes with a touch of charred wood, vanilla, and graham cracker crust. It finishes strong, if a wee bit...