Hennessy VS Limited Edition Bottle by JonOne

Confession: Hennessy VS was the first spirit that led me to slowly savor liquor neat in a large, attractive glass. It was my turning point, elevating my palate significantly. I've evolved considerably since then. I still use it for flambéing steak and find reasons to have a few sips. I'm both intrigued and skeptical that the latest bottle (containing, I'm sure, the same liquid as standard ones) showcases art by a Harlem artist. I strongly suspect that LVMH cares about Harlem only in terms of revenue generation. Anyway… NOSE: Vanilla, oak, and alcohol. Young cognac undeniably shows its youth more than young whisky. I can detect the grape skins… a sensation that promises acidity and a bite on the tongue. PALATE: This has become less harsh for me over the years, likely due to my increased tolerance for cask strength whiskies. It tastes like white grape juice with an anise and plastic note that I dislike. Perhaps some apricots and peaches, which might emerge more readily if one were to fully embrace a relaxed state and smoke some cannabis. It's thin and smooth. Reviews calling the VS harsh likely come from spirit novices. FINISH: There's a lingering aftertaste, with both pleasant and unpleasant elements. Anise, raisin, oranges, syrup, bitter melon. Ultimately, I don't want this to be the final taste of the evening. VERDICT: I largely moved away from Cognac because finding a quality bottle for under $100 is difficult. Hennessy's quality starts with the XO. VS holds a special place for connecting me to my origins and is still my go-to cognac for cooking, but let's be realistic, it's barely palatable and definitely not something you'd want as your only dessert drink. SCORE: 63/100.

Hennessy VS Nose: Hints of grape/purple, prunes, dried red fruit, sweet aroma Taste: Sweetness, wood, spice, fruit: I believe apricot, possibly some grape as well, vanilla, a slight burn on the finish. With time, the aroma also develops notes of red gummy bears. The finish becomes cooler with some roasted nut undertones. Quite respectable for a VS expression.