Review: 1969 Grosperrin - Fins Bois

1969 Grosperrin - Grande Champagne - 55.5%

In Part 1 and Part 2, I mentioned Jean Grosperrin began La Gabare's Cognac de Collection with the goal of preserving some of the small house styles that were more frequently being lost to large/commercial cognac blends. Part of the core criteria for the collection is establishing rock solid provenance. This '69 cask was a prime example. Stored in government warehouses immediately after distillation, it came with airtight paperwork.

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Nose: This is a first - celery for days. I’ve gotten faint celery in young whiskey (High West Double Rye) but never in a spirit aged this long and never quite like this. Almond. Milk chocolate. Vanilla cream. Candied red fruit. Dry oak. Faint earthy underbelly.

Flavor: Apple/pear skin. Bitter roots. Under-ripe, tart fruit. Super medicinal. Furniture polish in the finish. Waxy candy. There’s some caramel underneath everything making sure we don’t go off the rails.

Structure: Light and dry. Waves roll more and more dry until it is bone.

Alcohol Integration: Dialed in. Drinks pleasantly under proof.

Score: 6 (Solid) Uphill battle with palate preference here - top note heavy, dry, and that celery. Structure, clarity, complexity, alcohol integration - all top notch. Once my palate adjusted, it grew on me. Still not my ideal profile .

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You May Also Dig:

Single Malt - fruity, waxy

I've had some Clynelish and Linkwood that check these boxes.

Archived Scores

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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

Source: Grosperrin