Cognac Sponge Grosperrin 1968

Reputation. A great deal of emphasis is placed on the assumption of excellence based on data. Most often, this works out very well. Sometimes, not so much. Consider this week's anomaly: Boris Johnson. Such a high reputation—an Eton graduate who led Brexit. All the data points, except his hair, would suggest greatness. But alas, he faltered. And by last week, his government was as empty as a flash sale on a shelf full of Springbank. And this brings us to this. I have a major issue with these producers. This is a 52-year-old Fin Bois cognac from a 1968 vintage. That alone places it in a rare category. And it's from Grosperrin, known for discovering hidden gems. And bottled by the associate of Serge Valentin (of whiskey review fame) - Angus, also known as the Whisky Sponge. The price reflects its reputation... well over $400-500. However, I only purchased a small sample from TWE. The aroma is incredible. I let it sit in my glencairn for over 20 minutes before the first sip, and the air was filled with notes of cedar wood and jasmine. It should have been labeled Eau D' Jasmine. The palate is where I was severely let down. It was quite a disappointment—a little sharp, oaky, and overly grape-like. I'm relieved I didn't buy a bottle. The reputation is present, but it fails to deliver. Of course... TWE might have just put the worst samples into their smaller sizes... who knows.