Osocalis Rare Alambic Brandy

Rating: 12/23 Nose: The aroma is unfortunately quite young. Not quite sulphuric, but the distillation run-offs are clearly detectable. There's also some floral, sweet fruitiness, along with a somewhat chalky confectioner's sugar minerality. The scents do blend together acceptably, and there's reasonable balance. I perceive a bit of ethanol, but the run-offs are more prominent. Palate: A somewhat bubblegum-like floral fruitiness with a light green wood bitterness and herbaceousness. Thin, mild, and mineral-rich. This evokes a younger, diluted version of ABK6 VSOP. Ah, the spices emerge and they cause a slight burn. Black pepper. That intriguing herbaceous flavor, reminiscent of herbs de Provence, along with the run-offs, adds some complexity, though it also emphasizes the spirit's youth, particularly with the faint touch of sulphur that comes through. I wouldn't call it harsh, but it does burn and the alcohol is quite noticeable. Finish: Spice, herbaceousness, bubble gum, floral, possibly faint fruit. Still the alcohol is present. - Conclusion - This is not a good brandy. It's far from the worst, and I wouldn't be overly disappointed if I purchased it for under $15, but the current price is excessive. ABK6 VSOP is cheaper, and Rémy Martin 1738 is not much more expensive. A De Fussigny VSOP in this price range is likely superior. Despite my dislike for the youthful alcohol flavor, I find it significantly better than the pure ethanol impact of Glendalough Double Barrel (9/23). Even though it's very young and a bit too heavy on the run-offs, I would likely prefer this over the Glendalough. There's no way this is a 14; I'm thinking a 10 at least. Essentially, it's a well-executed spirit that is simply too young for bottling. The youth is evident, and while I'd prefer it weren't, it's not sulphuric or industrial, more light and tarry. It's acceptable. This has been growing on me. At one point, I considered giving it an 8. Now, I'm looking at an 11. I can understand someone rating it higher due to the interesting flavors and smoothness, but it seems flawed to me. After numerous (NUMEROUS) comparisons, this has improved in my estimation, but I believe it remains in the 11 to 12 range. Surprisingly, I'm settling on a 12. I appreciate the moderate complexity and the absence of overtly flawed youthful characteristics (sulphur and industrial notes, primarily). It still tastes young and not particularly good, but I would be content drinking it.

Thanks for the taste! Nose is harsh. I get lemon, mint, leather, iron. Body is flat. There’s caramel. Maybe some leather. Finish is where the iron kicks back in. This tastes young and metallic. Not my vibe.

Fantastic flavor, incredibly smooth. I love it.

Should be added to the purchase list.