Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac

Indeed, a go-to standard. I acquired only a partial bottle, anticipating my expectations would exceed its offering, yet I'm keen to discover if that holds true. The dark hue suggests considerable and consistent time spent in barrels, though the edges appear pale from significant dilution. The aroma presents typical raisin and dried fruit notes, with a subtle earthy quality. Oak is noticeable, but no distinct scents are prominent enough to isolate. Upon tasting, a brief burst of fruit punch flavor emerges, quickly followed by oak imparting more character. It's peculiar that the fruit doesn't taste mature, and the barrel essence seems absorbed independently. Vanilla is a dominant note mid-palate, likely from the oak. The raisin flavor persists throughout, never becoming overwhelming. The finish is somewhat sharp, with the fruit notes intensifying sweetness as if sugared rather than transformed into preserves. Perhaps the blend of ages has a scientific basis. I detect quality oak and barrel characteristics (as expected from roughly 12-year-old components), alongside vibrant fruit that hasn't become jam-like (attributable to the approximately 4-year-old components). It's understandable why this is a signature cognac; it can admirably serve in premium cocktails or captivate an experienced palate sipped straight. It's been awaiting review for some time, so I don't recall the exact cost of the full or half bottle, but considering it's akin to the "Jim Beam" of cognacs, I'm quite sure the value makes it a worthwhile addition for general brandy use.

As one of the major cognac producers, this VSOP is quite popular. I never found it particularly engaging and prefer their 1738, but it works well in cocktails. The aroma has notes of dried fruit and raisins. The palate is oaky with a good amount of vanilla. The finish has a slight burn and spice, fading quite quickly. In my opinion, Remy Martin VSOP is very one-dimensional. It doesn't offer much, and there are many superior cognacs to try neat, such as Hine H, Pierre Ferrand Ambre, Pierre Ferrand 1840, Hine Rare, Remy Martin 1738, and Louis Royer 53, among others. As a cocktail ingredient, I'd rate it 2.5 out of 3, but neat, it's closer to a 2.

Pleasantly, this brandy avoids tasting like cherry cough syrup. I enjoy citrus, and the hints of orange it provides are welcome. This spirit is harsh, and its flavor doesn't evolve much over time, though there are multiple elements present simultaneously. I appreciate the oak presence, but there's also some menthol I'm not fond of. Overall, the primary advantage of this cognac is that it sidesteps the common issue of excessive cherry flavor. However, you can find an inexpensive Scotch for a similar price that lacks these drawbacks. It's a refreshing brandy, but for refreshment, tequila, gin, or a tart cocktail would be better choices. The flavor is simply not very good. I would not suggest it.

Review #5 - Brandy / Cognac #2 Smell - sweet, clearly fruity, with aromas of vanilla and oranges, but still with a faint smell of alcohol. Taste - significantly better than the smell, being smooth, and having aromas of dried fruit, vanilla, dark chocolate...being sweet and woody. Finish - medium-long, maybe towards the long side (also indicated by the viscous texture of the cognac), with oakiness, being dry, but maybe also with a slight bitterness to it. Wonderful cognac. 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 - JB

Nose: grape, cherry, clove, allspice, vanilla, orange zest, nutty nougat, barrel spice, with a strong ethanol burn. Taste: butterscotch, vanilla, orange zest, grape, cherry, almond, licorice, apricot, cocoa, toasted oak, clove, with a moderate to strong alcohol bite. The finish is fairly quick with sweet fruit, caramel, and slightly tannic oak flavors. The flavors are pretty good, but the intensity of the heat on the nose and palate is excessive. For the price, superior alternatives exist, like the Pierre Ferrand 1840 or Ambre. While not outstanding, both are considerably better than this.

Fruity and Harsh: I've encountered a few younger cognacs with a similar profile. It delivers the expected cognac flavor. I detect dark fruit initially, followed by a burn. This burn stems not only from barrel spice but also from the ethanol. If your budget allows and you're set on Remy, consider the 1738. Otherwise, for a comparable experience at a lower cost, the Claude Chatelier VSOP offers a similar profile.