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ABK6 VSOP Single Estate Cognac
78 /100
- Cognac age
- VSOP
- Growth area
- Fins Bois
- Bottle size
- 700ml
- ABV
- 40%
Connoisseur Pierre
Reviews written: 13 (see reviews)
Average Score given: 86
Review Overview: Best & Most rated, All Reviewers & Reviews
Bio:
As stated and I also self proclaim to be, a Connoisseur of Cognac.
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Ranked by overall appeal, in flavor, and value!
Exceptional 91 /100
I do enjoy the mononym of the brand name of ABK6, I am aware this house is newer, and they stand out in all areas in appearance, character, and even flavor, This is a Fin Bois only Elixir, and there is only good things from this Blend! My reviews are to the point, and I am very fair in all aspect from the appearance of the bottle, to the initial opening and aromas, to the pouring and color, and of course to the sipping and of the flavors and ideas that come with this inspirational Cognac! I first tried these with the 50ml shooters, and of course poured them in the appropriate glass (Brandy Snifter, Room temp) from VS to XO I tried, however, I am reviewing the VSOP, because, it is worth every penny and it competes with those VS giant houses with similar prices, and beats them! The Bottle is simply elegant, and uses Gold in a very professional fashionable way, the label, the elegant inscribed writing on each bottle, very clever and discrete especially in the world of Cognac! These little hints are telling you, what you are about to experience, is unique, abided by the beautiful yet strict laws of making Cognac, with the passion of delivering a fine product, with ultimate value, especially from a smaller house! A Gem indeed!, after taking some time to remove the would be gold seal, the twist off cap is different from the traditional cork! I still clean off the lip every time in respect to tradition of pouring and serving Cognac! As pictured, I love to pour a glass of Cognac, It is exquisite and nothing like anything of this world! a beautiful Deep Gold, aromas of immediate apple, Vanilla, cinnamon, apricot with Oak and spices tingle the aroma at the end. I let every Cognac in the respect to the age, and with research, to let it air out, accordingly to the youngest Eau-De-vie, to the oldest, I let sit in the snifter, and in my hand to swirl occasionally, and to warm to excite the Elixir, excited I am slowly to breathe in the aromas again before I let the liquid reach my lips, and tongue and mouth, to conclude with a supple, and rich, flavor, Oak, Vanilla, Apple, Cinnamon at the top, apricot, floral, and a hint of raisin, reach the bottom, a smooth, medium finish. Fin Bois continues to amaze me! as well as this cellar master who blends this VSOP! it is Simple, and the finish isn't extremely long, however, given its presentation and value, it makes up for anything lacking! and thus why it has been regarded as it has! This would make an excellent mixed drink though I prefer to drink as I have spoken above! This is great for the Experts to try themselves like I, or, for the very beginner, who is new to this amazing and unique world of Cognac! a Must try for all! and to inspire!
Tags
Flavour
Tasting
Nose
What aromas do you get when you sniff the Cognac? Do you get hints of fruits or flowers - perhaps it's sweet? Is it intense or rather flat - and most importantly, is the nose coherent to taste and finish? The nose is the most important part when tasting Cognac.
23/25
What aromas do you get when you sniff the Cognac? Do you get hints of fruits or flowers - perhaps it's sweet? Is it intense or rather flat - and most importantly, is the nose coherent to taste and finish? The nose is the most important part when tasting Cognac.
True to category
Array of smells
Intensity of smells
Balance of smells
Presence of ethanol
Mouth
A small sip: Allow your taste buds in the various areas of your mouth to distinguish the different flavours. This part of cognac tasting is described as ‘the palate’. Don’t just swallow it down; allow the liquid to touch all the regions of the mouth. Doing this is necessary as the taste buds pick up contrasting flavours in the different areas of the mouth; on the tip of your tongue to the sides, for example. Take a tiny sip to prep your palate for the sensory experience to come. Take a second larger sip, and gently roll the cognac around, etting it come into contact with every corner of your mouth. Focus on the perceived textural sensations. Are the sensations round and rich or fresh and elegant? Is the overall mouthfeel intense, balanced, disjointed, or lacking presence? In short, how does the cognac feel in your mouth?
20/20
A small sip: Allow your taste buds in the various areas of your mouth to distinguish the different flavours. This part of cognac tasting is described as ‘the palate’. Don’t just swallow it down; allow the liquid to touch all the regions of the mouth. Doing this is necessary as the taste buds pick up contrasting flavours in the different areas of the mouth; on the tip of your tongue to the sides, for example. Take a tiny sip to prep your palate for the sensory experience to come. Take a second larger sip, and gently roll the cognac around, etting it come into contact with every corner of your mouth. Focus on the perceived textural sensations. Are the sensations round and rich or fresh and elegant? Is the overall mouthfeel intense, balanced, disjointed, or lacking presence? In short, how does the cognac feel in your mouth?
1st impression
Body
Texture
Alcohol level
Taste
Quite simply, what do you taste as you gently roll the cognac around in your mouth? Pay close attention to any flavors of fruits, flowers, oak, and spices - or a complex combination of those elements. Are the flavors cohesive with the Nose and the Mouth, giving a sense of balance and complexity?
23/25
Quite simply, what do you taste as you gently roll the cognac around in your mouth? Pay close attention to any flavors of fruits, flowers, oak, and spices - or a complex combination of those elements. Are the flavors cohesive with the Nose and the Mouth, giving a sense of balance and complexity?
True to category
Complexity of tastes
Distinctiveness of tastes
Intensity of tastes
Balance of tastes
Finish
The ‘finish’ is the experience you get after you’ve swallowed the cognac. What flavours can you detect? Is it a flat or rough finish and rather sharp, or is it a slight 'punch' you like? How long does the finish last? Also think about overall balance: How does the finish compare to nose and taste?
17/20
The ‘finish’ is the experience you get after you’ve swallowed the cognac. What flavours can you detect? Is it a flat or rough finish and rather sharp, or is it a slight 'punch' you like? How long does the finish last? Also think about overall balance: How does the finish compare to nose and taste?
Flavours
Length
Power / “Smooth”
Balance
Overall Impression
Consider the Nose, Mouth, Taste, and Finish simultaneously - the cognac as a whole. Is there cohesion between the four categories, or does the cognac shine in some areas and appear dull in others? Quite simply, is the memory from the tasting experience one that will last your lifetime; is the memory good but nothing extraordinary; or is the cognac’s impact entirely forgettable?
8/10
Consider the Nose, Mouth, Taste, and Finish simultaneously - the cognac as a whole. Is there cohesion between the four categories, or does the cognac shine in some areas and appear dull in others? Quite simply, is the memory from the tasting experience one that will last your lifetime; is the memory good but nothing extraordinary; or is the cognac’s impact entirely forgettable?
Total: 91/100
- 80-84: Recommended
- 85-89: Highly Recommended
- 90-95: Exceptional
- 96-100: Superlative