Christian brothers grand reserve V.S.O.P

Rating: 6/23. I don't recall the VS being very good, but maybe the VSOP is better. Nose: I get something a bit meaty from the alcohol, but also some light hints of sugary fruit that I worry suggests confectioner's sugar. Just plain alcohol as well. Not a promising start. Palate: Quite sweet with definite confectioner's sugar, a bit of fake caramel, and maybe some sort of fruit like just grape juice (possibly with a dash of citron and banana) before giving way to more confectioner's sugar, alcohol, and rubber. It's a tad harsh too. I must say that I am not impressed by this palate. It's actively unpleasant to drink. There's a faint hint of something tasty resembling age at times, but it's fleeting and mixed in with all the bad flavors. Finish: The confectioner's sugar chalkiness really lingers, along with the rubber. It's a pretty unpleasant finish. The harshness lingers a bit as well and a hint of sulfur even jumps out, though it's nothing like in another brand's VSOP. This whole thing is unpleasant, beginning to end. It might work drowned in eggnog or ladled over a fruit cake, but it really isn't sippable at all. It's well below a 9, but not as bad as a 4. I guess that puts this in the 5 to 7 range. Another brand's VSOP is richer and more interesting with greater complexity, but it also has way more sulfur and is much harsher. Possibly the other brand is better for eggnog because of its bigger profile, which could make it a slightly better dram. One brand just really doesn't have much character. It could almost be a substitute for vodka. I think I might give a slight edge to the other brand. Another brand, while not all that great, is still a lot better than this. It has some comparatively quite nice dried fruit flavors and none of that disgusting artificial caramel flavor, though it is still quite light with odd meatiness, minerals, and confectioner's sugar. Side by side, this is also inferior to another brand's offering. The alcohol really comes through and the flavor here barely exists. I'm going to be generous and give this a 6 for now, but it could well be a 5.

I haven't encountered the "Grand Reserve"... but the standard VSOP, for its price... is VERY enjoyable and smooth. Pleasant flavors. Good served on the rocks, ideal for mixing into egg nog, coffee, or even Coke. I've heard the XO is truly excellent... but I've never seen it.

It's sweet and a bit sharp on the finish. I believe it's a suitable introduction to brandy, but this one is better for mixing. You would need to spend more for a quality sipping spirit. I'm going to use this bottle as a base for some pear brandy

If you can locate it, this is one of the superior American brandies available.