Other Whisk(e)ys

Hennessy V.S.O.P Cognac

40% ABV
$50
Website

What the Producer Says

Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège is a well balanced cognac, the expression of 200 years of Hennessy craft. The fruit of nature’s uncertainties, this unique blend has tamed the elements to embody the original concept of cognac. Each sip reveals new facets of its personality.

The savoir-faire of the Maison of Hennessy is fully expressed in this balanced cognac: the selection of eaux-de-vie, aging and assemblage. A cognac of remarkable consistency and vitality, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège conveys all of the savoir-faire of the Hennessy master blenders who have ensured the continued success of this harmonious assemblage for 200 years.

A ROYAL HERITAGE
The name V.S.O.P. Privilège originates from a special order placed by the future King George IV of England. He requested a “Very Superior Old Pale” from the House of Hennessy, the first shipment of which was made in 1818.

INTO THE WOODS
The oak wood used for aging V.S.O.P. Privilège comes from the Limousin forest in France. It must first dry outside for at least three years before being made ito a barrel.

TASTING

COLOR: Flamboyant mahogany with light tones.
NOSE: Releases very mature notes, evoking the aroma of fresh fruit coupled with a sensation of suppleness that settles in to underscore the harmony of this cognac.
PALATE: The sensation of full body deepens with the flavors of juicy fruits, vanilla, spices and mild tobacco also provided by the vigor of the younger eaux-de-vie.

What Gary Says

Nose: Rich, floral and fruity with currants, blackberries, soft oak, tropical fruit notes of pineapple and mango.
Palate: Softer with fruit, apples, pears, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, plums and a bit of pepper spice.
Finish: Short to moderate in length, drying with cinnamon and plums.
DISCLAIMER: I’m a whisk(e)y enthusiast, and not familiar with Cognac (so read at your own risk!)
Comments: This was noticeably darker in the glass than the Remy Martin V.S.O.P., and has a nice richness and depth of spice. Of the three cognacs I sampled, this was my favorite (although I can’t say I’ve been converted from whisk(e)y!)  An enjoyable pour, and was excellent in a Vieux Carré. And was originally the last cognac sample I had, until another founds its way in as I was typing up my notes – so have one more to go!

Rating: Stands Out

Alfred Giraud Harmonie
French Malt Whisky

46.1% ABV
$190
Website

We would like to thank Alfred Giraud and Savona Communications for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

This powerful and inviting whisky epitomizes the harmony achieved through our blending and aging techniques. We begin with a blend of two non-peated French malt distillates that matured in different casks, the majority in extra old cognac casks and a proportion in new French Limousin and American oak casks. Once the optimal blend is achieved, the double malt ages exclusively in extra old cognac casks where it develops complex and balanced flavors. Finally, it is blended with a lightly peated French malt distillate and is finished in the same extra old cognac casks until it reaches its optimal flavor.

WHISKY MAKER’S NOTES
Color: Deep copper.
Nose: Bold and inviting. Warm raisin bread and baking spices surround notes of smoky barley.
Palate: Powerful yet delicate. The silky texture gives way to baking spices and juicy grapes. Rich and balanced, with a hint of peat.
Finish: Long, very long. The subtle peat amplifies the soft tannins of the extra old cognac casks.

CHARACTER: Silky with a hint of peat
BLEND: Triple Malt, Triple Wood
CASKS: Cognac, new French & new American Oak
ANNUAL RELEASE: 7 Casks
COLOR: Natural
FILTRATION: Non Chill-Filtered

What Gary Says

Nose:  Floral, barley, fruity with grapes, pears, apricots and black currants, subtle spice with a slight earthy note of peat and cedar.
Palate:  Rich and creamy mouthfeel, vanilla, milk chocolate, grapes, peaches, nutmeg with subtle peat.
Finish:  Long, thick and syrupy with chocolate and pepper spice.
Comments:  While similar to the Heritage by Alfred Giraud, this is darker and richer on both the nose and palate. Quite lovely, with the peated whisky balanced nicely so that it is additive without dominating or detracting.

Rating: Stands Out

Alfred Giraud Heritage
French Malt Whisky

45.9% ABV
$155
Website

We would like to thank Alfred Giraud and Savona Communications for sending us a sample to review.

What the Producer Says

An intense and complex, yet elegant whisky, HERITAGE showcases complex and balanced flavors, the result of masterful blending and aging. Three non-peated French malt distillates that matured in different casks, mostly in extra old cognac casks with a proportion in new French Limousin and American oak casks are blended together, then matured in extra old cognac casks.

WHISKY MAKER’S NOTES
Color: Natural, light and golden.
Nose: Complex yet balanced. Buttery pastries and brioche develop into aromas of toasted malts and sweet baking spices.
Palate: Structured with a full body. Brioche quickly transitions into grassy notes. A slight woodiness balanced perfectly with vanilla and nutmeg. Refined and well-rounded.
Finish: Sophisticated and subtle. The soft spices and nutty malts balance beautifully leading to slightly sweet notes from the extra old cognac casks.

CHARACTER: Soft and elegant
BLEND: Triple Malt, Triple Wood
CASKS: Cognac, new French & new American Oak
ANNUAL RELEASE: 23 Casks
COLOR: Natural
FILTRATION: Non Chill-Filtered

What Gary Says

Nose:  Delicate, floral, barley, fruity with grapes, pears and apricots with a subtle spice.
Palate:  Creamy mouthfeel with vanilla, poached pears, peaches, grapes, buttered brioche, nutmeg, hint of cinnamon, bright citrus note with a bit of chocolate.
Finish:  Moderately long, wet with vanilla, nutmeg and a bit of pepper.
Comments:  A delicate and delightful dram! Subtle and sweet, the cognac influence is apparent. I appreciate the higher ABV, as well as skipping the chill filtration, which all lends to a really nice mouthfeel.

Rating: Stands Out