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Frapin VSOP Grande Champagne Cognac

Recommended 82 /100

see 5 reviews

Cognac age
VSOP
Growth area
Grande Champagne
Bottle size
700ml
ABV
40%

Rodger R.

Reviews written: 13 (see reviews)

Average Score given: 68

Review Overview: Best & Most rated, All Reviewers & Reviews

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Marvelous VSOP

75 /100

Over the past several weeks, I've embarked on a tasting program of VSOP, Napoleon, and XO Cognacs. To that end, I have tasted 4 different VSOP Cognacs, 2 Napoleon, and 2 XO Cognac bottles. Of those tasted, the Frapin VSOP is in a virtual first place tie with the Daniel Boujou on a point basis. The Boujou may have a slight edge in nose, but the Frapin suits my palate a bit better. In reality it depends on an individual's personal preferences. I happen to enjoy the palate of the Frapin, as it has excellent nutty tones that I appreciate, with a very smooth initial taste when it hits my tongue. The flavors round out to a bit of nutmeg and cinnamon before swallowing. The finish is very smooth and enjoyable with a nutlike rather than vanilla finish. By way of comparison, I included Courvoisier and Hennessy in the VSOP tastings, both of which are also excellent. Of these 4, I would rate the Frapin as #1 on the palate, and in a virtual tie with any of the others w/r to value received.

Value for Money 3/5

Overpriced Low Average Bargain Steal

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.

14/25

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?

19/20

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

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?

11/20

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

Total: 75/100

  • 80-84: Recommended
  • 85-89: Highly Recommended
  • 90-95: Exceptional
  • 96-100: Superlative
Flat Acceptable Fine Excellent Ethereal Thin & weak Disjointed Balanced Exquisite Bland Ordinary Good Excellent Spectacular Non-existent, or rough Acceptable Good Memorable Endless Uninspiring, or rough Ordinary Good Excellent Memorable
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