Best Commercially Produced Cognac

Highly Recommended 89 /100

This is my favorite "commercially" produced Cognac. What I mean by "commercially" produced is this: I am relatively certain this has at least some of the legal additives of Cognac present (Boise, Carmel Color, and Sugar Syrup). Also this is relatively available and is more widely marketed than many small Cognac houses. It is also less "artisanal" in comparison to some of the smaller Cognac houses, many of whom produce completely "additive free" products. However this is quite good and not overly tampered with. In that way it is rather unlike Hennessy XO which in my not so humble opinion has had much of its character muted with the overuse of additives. Any additives present in this Hardy XO blend are used judiciously, and allow the actual Cognac to shine through quite brilliantly. Extremally well balanced I would say. Cognac Expert's flavor profile gives you a pretty good idea of the broad range of tastes present in this very good blend and I find their description quite accurate. I would only add that there is a distinct spicy cinnamon note that adds to the overall appeal and makes for a nice lengthy finish. Very tasty. The "Big Four" are found painfully wanting when compared to this, especially at this price point. I have purchased this by the case (6) to share among friends and it has been consistently in the top 3 in a number of blind tastings we have conducted. I give it the best mark I can for a commercially produced Cognac. 89.