Review: 1970s Jean-Luc Pasquet
1970s Jean-Luc Pasquet - Aficionados x Fine Drams Selections
Three well-aged barrel selections of Jean-Luc Pasquet by Aficionados x Fine Drams. All in all, I've been a fan of the Aficionados x Fine Drams selections with standouts for me being the 1996 Grosperrin Armagnac and the Grosperrin Lot 45 Fins Bois Cognac. Most of the Afish brandy selections haven't shied away from oak influence or high proofs, making them accessible crossover spirits for bourbon fans.
There are two Grande Champagne and one Fin Bois in the mix below. When it comes to older, sourced cognac - JLP has my number. Tres Vielle Reserve (Lot 2) was my wedding day pour. And Serious Brandy #1 and #2 along with L. 73 Andre are some of my all-time favorite sips.
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Lot 75 - 54.2%: Big extraction from the oak - caramel, chocolate. Dried red fruits. Notes of wider distillation cuts - glue, menthol. On the palate, the fruit plays behind the oak and spice. Pour is most active on the back end. Wood goes from drier oak to old, damp wood in the long finish.
Score: 7 (Highly Recommend) If I had more than a sample, I would have experimented with water. Seemed a little closed off and over concentrated. Water may have opened the front half of the palate. I was worried water would amp the already prominent oak so I refrained.
***
Lot 70 - 52.1%: Fruit forward and grassier - grapes, citrus, blueberry, lightly medicinal, green oak. Palate stays fruity and top-note driven - medicinal roots, spices, fresh herbs - all compiling into a long, complex finish.
Score: 7 (Highly Recommend) The full bodied structure supports all the top-notes well. Pushes some of my stylistic preferences, but well-made and enjoyable nonetheless.
***
Lot 68-72 - 57.1%: Blackberry and oak. Sap and pine. Roasted nuts. Toffee. It's a rich, old nose. The blackberry holds up against the wood. Great weight. Oak and medicinal cherry out the gate ramping into a peak where the oak and proof spike before fading tropical (kiwi, passion fruit) with a lingering, soft medicinal bitterness.
Score: 9 (Stash Two) Love the structure, clarity, and complexity here. Great balance of old deep wood and distillate notes. I've purchased and finished a bottle since this photo was taken. That bottle went too fast.
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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