After Hours Alcohol Review Cognac Rémy Martin VSOP

Advantages

• The complexity and richness of this VSOP make it a capable – and much cheaper – substitute for an older XO cognac.

• It tastes older than its years, making it a sophisticated drink.

L are disadvantages

• Due to its darker flavor profile, it does not work in cocktails the same way as other VSOPs.

• Fans of the VSOP category may be disappointed by this less vibrant expression.

Tasting notes

Color : Bright Red Copper

Nose : Quite delicate, it takes a few puffs to absorb the aromas of vanilla, light oak, baking spice and sweet grapes.

Stuffy : More well defined than the nose, with notes of raisins, smooth dark chocolate, woody spices, ripe peaches and caramel. Different flavors come and go with every sip, creating complexity.

Finish : A dry, spicy, woody finish with saline and black fruit notes. The fruitiness persists the longest in the aftertaste.

Our opinion

A VSOP, or “Very Superior Old Pale”, is aged for a minimum of four years in oak barrels, and it can be the best of both worlds for cognac lovers. A good n VSOP has lost the immaturity of younger VS cognacs without acquiring the austere woodiness – or high price – that characterizes many XO expressions, which are aged for at least 10 years. Remy Martin's VSOP is an outlier, but in a good way.

This expression, which combines Grand Champagne and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie, lacks the bright fruitiness that characterizes many VSOPs. Instead, it bills itself as an XO – and a great one – with a darker, more understated flavor palette. As such, it's a less versatile mixer than many VSOPs ( although it makes a dandy Cognac Old Fashioned). But for sipping, it's hard to find another VSOP as rich and complex as this, and at a fraction of the price from

great XO by Rémy .

The only real disadvantage of this cognac top notch is that it lacks the very qualities that many look for in a VSOP (vibrance, sparkle, lively fruity notes s). So, although it punches above its weight as a bottle, it may disappoint those looking for the classic VSOP qualities. Fans of sophisticated aged cognac looking for a bargain need look no further.

INTERESTING FACT

Paul-Emile Rémy Martin produced the first “Fine Champagne” cognac in 1848. The appellation has nothing to do with bubbles: it rather designates a blend of eaux-de-vie from crus (regions) of Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne in France. .