Vecchia Romagna Etichetta Nera

Review #60 - Brandy / Cognac #8 Appearance - Amber-gold, oily in the glass, leaves long legs. Nose - Alcohol, sweet, honey, woody, oak spice, toasty, nutty, grape, red apple, apricots. Palate - Oily on the front end, honey, sweet, alcohol, a very sharp spicy mid-palate that carries to the end of the palate (likely quite young). Finish - Medium, the spice slowly fades, leaving a dry, oaky aftertaste with dark chocolate, red grapes, plum, and some raisins, perhaps with a hint of dates...and walnuts. A really enjoyable finish and aftertaste. I understand why a friend liked it so much! It's surprisingly drinkable and even enjoyable considering the price (under 20 eur / L). The aftertaste strongly reminds me of a Remy Martin VSOP...really good! However, the palate is unfortunately a let-down...but again, not much to expect at this price point. It's young, has more oak and less fruit than a VS cognac, and is definitely much cheaper.

I don't get why this brandy is so overlooked! It delivers everything I want from a brandy: warmth and lingering memories. It certainly did for me, so I'll always favor it. I admit the price and the uniquely shaped bottle influenced my purchase, and I have no regrets. It has an oily texture, subtle caramel sweetness, a touch of acidity, spice, and an unidentifiable floral note.

The aroma is like permanent marker and tart raisin. Quite off-putting.