Grosperrin Lot 45 Cognac - Fins Bois - Aficionados/Fine Drams - 50.8%
Last week, I reviewed one of two Lot 45 Fins Bois casks purchased by Grosperrin through a certified broker back in 2019. While there wasn't enough of a paper trail to establish whether or not these casks had previously been blended, we know there's plenty of old cognac in the bottle. 60 bottles from this cask were selected by Aficionados/Fine Drams. I've enjoyed brandy selections from this group in the past with highlights being L'Encantada Del Cassou armagnac and Jean-Luc Pasquet Lot 73 cognac.
Nose: Bourbon lover friendly. Caramel is a little richer than last week. Less fruit. Chestnut. Similar baking spices. Mesquite.
Flavor: Palate starts spicier than I anticipated. Cardamom. Medicinal, mentholated notes I've been finding in older cognacs. Blackberry preserves. Nuts. Dark chocolate. Settles in nicely.
Structure: Dense, slow roller. Really balanced. More even keeled than last week's.
Alcohol Integration: Handles water exceptionally. Body lightens a little (it had room to play with), but the pour stays long on the palate and the fruit noticeably brightens.
Score: 8 (Stash One) Structure and palate complexity are more in line with my palate than the 52.1% bottling. Though last week's nose may get the edge. Huge bonus that this swims well and evolves nicely. Great cask.
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Nice cognac pivot for armagnac and bourbon fans.
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