Review: 1898 Cognac Bisquit
1898 Cognac Bisquit Dubouche - Grande Champagne - Reserve George V - 40%
I'm not totally sure how these super old, vintage cognacs work. I know an exceptional amount of care goes into working cognac barrels so the question that follows isn't meant to be reductive. But are they really saving the good stuff for this long or just doing their best with what's still kicking around the cellar? I assume most of these older vintages will be moved out of their barrels well before their bottling dates. But after 100+ years, I wonder how the really special stuff hasn't found its way into someone's glass already. The question probably says more about my issues with self restraint than anything.
Regardless, it makes sense that Cognac Bisquit would have an abundance of stock. Founded by Alexander Bisquit in 1819, they've remained a pretty high profile, high production (64 pot stills) house since at least the turn of the 19th century. Pernod Ricard purchased them in 1966 and sold in 2009. Cognac Expert lists some interesting highlights.
Participated in the London (1862) and Paris World Fairs (1889)
1916 - Bottles went down with a ship sunk by the German army. Discovered 1998.
1951 - Named ‘Official Supplier of Cognac’ to King George VI of England
1952 - Partnered with Joséphine Baker to create a unique Cognac blend
1984 - Became the on-board Cognac for Air France.
Notes: Grape soda. This may be the grapiest cognac I've nosed. Hazelnut. Baking spice. Cola. Faint rotting fruits and veggies. Baker's chocolate. Slow to unfold on the nose, but there's a lot going on. The palate is a touch sweet and flabby. Dries out mid-palate, but gets jammy and sweet toward the back again. Body-wise/structurally: this drinks closer to a liqueur - weighty but linear. Fortunately, there is a little medicinal root influence to lift the mid-palate.
Score: 5 (Acceptable) The nose is really interesting. The palate unfortunately veers less dynamic.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour