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Hardy VS Tradition Cognac

Exceptional 90 /100

see 1 reviews

Cognac age
VS
Growth area
Grand Champagne, Petite Champagne, Fins Bois, Borderies
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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Absolutely Tradition of Finess!

Exceptional 90 /100

The history of this House is intriguing! I have heard alot about this company in particular and I will say, none of the products are unimpressive! This here is their staple, and it is phenomenal! for a 2 year minimum and a house with a reputation for perfection since the 1800s! surely a treat if it is within your grasp! Initial presentation will leave you impressed outright, and when you open this Cognac, be sure to engage in such a rich, and impressive Elixir! Extremely impressed by the nose, and as well as the palate! Aroma is very elegant Vanilla, Oak, and I mean rich in as such, if you have a nose like me, you can smell the Petite Champagne Eau-Die-Vie almost immediately! The distinction is very obvious, Rich with Rose, and Violet, and a hint of spice that lingers! to separate the Flower with the Rich flavor of vanilla and to me, perhaps the best impression of such for a VS Cognac! Pouring this into a Snifter and as always as you read my countless reviews as a Connoisseur, I pour and serve only neat! and room temperature! The palate is amazing! for a Vs, it is absolutely a bargain and extremely smooth! the Flavor is not of a Vs as it portrays! it tastes and feels like a VSOP! Very elegant with rich flavor, Spice in the beginning. Oak, and Rich with Vanilla and Caramel! a hint of citrus and floral notes of rose, and violet! it lingers for a good while! and it doesn't leave you with a bad after taste at all! it is so rich, and smooth and again I will say extremely impressed for a rich and smooth VS Cognac that is from the house of HARDY! The end is supple, and creamy! very impressive for a VS and such a amazing Value! highly recommended!

Tags

  • Caramel
  • Cinnamon
  • Floral
  • Lemon
  • Oak
  • Pear
  • Rose
  • Vanilla
  • Violet

Flavour

Wood 6/10

Spice 7/10

Fruit 8/10

Flower 9/10

Bottle / Package Design 4/5

Where is the Love? Ordinary Nice Beautiful A sight to be seen!

Value for Money 5/5

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.

23/25

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?

17/20

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

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?

18/20

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?

9/10

Total: 90/100

  • 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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