ABK6 VS Pure Single Cognac

The aroma is fruity with a pleasant mix of cherry and orange peel. There's some well-integrated spice on the nose. The palate features those same cherry and orange flavors, nicely balanced with the spice. There's some alcohol presence, but it's not overpowering. While not incredibly complex, the flavor profile is solid enough. The sweetness isn't excessive, though there's a slight powdered sugar quality. This exhibits significantly more orange and spice than Symbols National, though it's less rich and layered, with a more pronounced alcohol presence. It also has a lighter, more floral flavor. I do appreciate the orange and spice, however. This is a decent Cognac. It compares favorably to Hennessey VS in terms of being boldly fruity with a syrupy base. It has a better core character than Bushmills Black Bush, though it lacks complexity. In a direct comparison, Bushmills wins because it masks its alcohol better and offers more depth, but this is still quite good. The nose is richer and woodier compared to Pierre Duchene. There are faint hints of cherry, alongside grapefruit and orange. It might also carry subtle scents of chocolate and caramel, as well as some light floral notes. It smells very appealing. The palate is quite rich and viscous, with a tangerine sweetness followed by mild notes of dark cherry and chocolate, plus a bit of oily bitterness, reminiscent of Irish whiskeys like Bushmills. It would be a disappointing substitute for Bushmills 21, but it's quite good and definitely superior to Pierre Duchene. There's a component that's somewhat like formaldehyde tannin that I dislike, and none of the flavors are particularly exciting or intense. There's a slightly metallic taste accompanying the tannins that I wish wasn't there. It's less floral, sweet, and grainy than Bushmills Black Bush. The Bushmills offers more flavor complexity, but also a more immature sweetness. This is surprisingly numbing, although it does seem to have some clove flavor. I appreciate the richness here, but the metallic note is a bit much. Despite Bushmills' sweetness, it achieved a better balance of flavors. This spirit is richer with some subtle undertones, but it's more uneven. I'd say they are of similar quality, but Bushmills is slightly better. Compared to Pierre Duchene, this has more floral and fruity (apricot) notes on the nose, and a less murky scent. The palate has a pleasant sweet floral apricot flavor. The profile is cleaner than Pierre Duchene's, though the flavor is also milder. It's not as harsh, and the apricot flavor is juicy and lingers. Pierre Duchene isn't bad at all, but this is clearly better for drinking (likely no better or even worse for cooking though).

I'm uncertain if this is exclusively available at Total Wine, but that's where I acquired it. I'm currently preparing a series of 2L barrel-aged cocktails as holiday gifts for friends. To date, I've created a port wine-finished Doorly's rum, a Bulleit Revolver, a Brooklyn Godfather, and a strawberry-infused Negroni. I intend to conclude the series with an aged Sazerac and required cognac for the split base of the cocktail. I decided to pick this up while I was there. Tasted neat from a glencairn glass. The liquid was allowed ample time to rest after being poured. This bottle has been open for a little over a day, with approximately 60ml remaining at the bottom. From a distance of 18 inches, I can detect the fruity grape notes of this cognac. ABK6 is the brand for Domaines Francis Abécassis. In addition to VS, VSOP, and XO cognacs, the house also produces vodka, gin, Petit Champagne cognacs, and other eau de vie. The pour resembles apple juice in clarity and displays good sheeting when swirled. The aroma is fruity and light, offering some floral characteristics. I perceive sweet apples, Bosc pear, wildflower honey, and perhaps a hint of jasmine. Its lushness is almost liqueur-like. Overall, it's very pleasant, moderately complex, and surprisingly enjoyable for its price. On the palate, this is quite mild and tasty. There are discernible notes of apple, a bit of pear, and some white-fleshed plums. A touch of honey coats the lips, while the faintest hint of ginger and white pepper provides a gentle warmth of spice. The finish is short and clean. This is fruity and light. It's a delightful grape brandy and a truly excellent choice for cocktails, in my opinion. I am confident the Sazerac will turn out wonderfully when paired with George Dickel rye (a 95/5 MGP product, which is nicely fruity and approachable as well). On its own, I am happy to drink this neat or over ice. It doesn't approach the gravitas of a Hennessy XO or the silky presence of a Remy 1738, but at $28, it offers significant value. I rate on a scale where 1 indicates something I won't finish and 5 signifies a perfect example of the expression. Most competently made spirits should follow a bell curve and fall within the range of 2.0 to 3.0. This ABK6 VS certainly fits that description. It's solid, tasty, and slightly above average when compared to its peers in this price range. I'm assigning it 3 stars.

Review #32 - Brandy / Cognac #5 Purchased in a 50ml bottle, this has a light golden color and is more authentic than many commercial brands. It displays reasonably oily legs in the glass. Nose: Very potent and aromatic, light, sweet, and fruity, with less alcohol forwardness than anticipated (though alcohol is still detectable). Notes of white grapes, some oak, a bit of spice, and oiliness are present, perhaps with a very slight woody bitterness. Palate: Smooth, light, and very spicy on the initial taste, possibly with an oily, oaky woodiness. This quickly gives way to sweetness and fruitiness (grapes, maybe some pear). Finish: Short to medium in length, longer than expected, dry, with an underlying spice, some dry woodiness, and dried fruit like figs and plums (allergies make exact identification difficult). For me, the initial spiciness is too pronounced, but it quickly softens into sweeter aromas that are much better balanced. I haven't tasted a VS before (I have more experience with XO vinars, Metaxa expressions, and some Remy Martin VSOP and Braastad VSOP), and I personally expected it to be much harsher and more alcohol-forward, especially based on reviews. The alcohol itself isn't an issue; rather, it's the somewhat unbalanced spiciness at the start. Overall, however, it's very pleasant. It genuinely makes me curious about the smoothness, complexity, and refinement of XO versions. Rating System: 5.0 - Perfect 4.5 - Exceptional 4.0 - Very Good 3.5 - Good 3.0 - Decent 2.5 - Average 2.0 - Below Average 1.5 - Barely Drinkable 1.0 - Undrinkable 0.5 - An initialism is included.

I enjoy a pleasant cognac after a meal, though I'm not as discerning as I am with bourbon, perhaps due to fully appreciating the food and the subsequent conversation. Remy Martin remains my preference, and I consistently return to it. This one presents abundant fruit on the nose, primarily pear. It develops in the mouth with fruit and honey, concluding with a crisp pear finish. I like it, but I'll stay with Remy.

A refined, single estate Brandy from the Abecassis family in Cognac, France, aged at least 2 years. It opens with tree fruit, floral, and a touch of spice aromas; its vibrant mid-palate offers notes of apricot, caraway, and mustard seed; culminating in a robust, lingering finish with hints of grape (Grappa) and oak. September 2019

Aroma of vanilla, citrus, toffee, honey, and grape. Taste includes some spice, citrus, and grape.