Why I have 8 short brandy glasses
Pros:
strong fruit flavors, widely available, good value, goes well with some cigars.
Cons:
somewhat "bright" for aged cognac
The Bottom Line:
A good everyday sipping Cognac with sweet fruit flavor, a must-try for budget conscious Cognac drinkers
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
As you might guess, I love drinking distilled spirits. Unlike the other two reviewers hereof, I rarely get much of a buzz from drinking these spirits, since the taste is much more of an attraction to me; moreover, in deference to the New England Journal of Medicine study of mortality and alcohol consumption, I'm improving the chances for longevity by consuming an ounce-and-a-half of 80 proof spirits every day.
Cognacs are my favorite spirits, being made by distilling wines from the Cognac region of France. When cognacs are aged in charred oak barrels, slow evaporative losses and natural diffusion of volatile chemicals through the wood concentrate certain flavors. This process also allows lighter, more volatile elements that can give "bite" or "harshness" to the spirit to vaporize. Older spirits tend to be thicker, more substantive and yet smoother. Every element of the process must be done right to ensure a premium spirit:
1. growing and harvesting grapes
2. processing and fermenting
3. distillation
4. barreling
5. and blending, if applicable
Courvoisier VSOP ("very special old pale") is a blend of aged cognac brandies, aged at least 8 years. It is widely available, and retails for about $30 (I got mine with two blue gift Champagne stem glasses, gifts for me of course)
The spirit
Courvoisier is a standard amber color. It pours very fluidly. The scent is delicious flowers, oak, and ripe pears. Initial attack is a strong and sweet with tones of vanilla and grapes. Sometimes, the "bite" can make me sneeze, although the difference between the VS and VSOP is obvious. The spirit itself has a sweet light quality that is moderately compex unfolding hints of honey, apples, and plum jam. Strong, slow finish of raisins.
with Cigars
I've smoked mild (Macanudo gold label), medium (Arturo Fuente Hemingway Classic maduro), and medium-to-full bodied (Padron 2000 Maduro) cigars with the Courvoisier VSOP. In the case of the Mac gold label, the Courvoisier surpasses the cigar in complexity, and I end up ignoring the cigar. The Arturo Fuente holds its own with the cognac, lending a sweet fruity foil to the spicy, roasted flavors of the cigar. Likewise with the Padron, which is just a pleasure to smoke.
For everyday drinks, Courvoisier VSOP holds its own against the VSOPs of Remy Martin and Hennessy (I'm not a big fan of Martell). Cheers.
