Poetry in a bottle

Dear Cognac-Expert Team,

As with my prior review, I wanted to thoroughly sample Selection No. 2 before sharing my thoughts. After all, such tender loving care by the artisan producer and Cognac-Expert to put together something truly special deserves nothing less. (And, the back-story on this cognac is quite special. Elodie’s grandfather Jack would indeed be proud.)

First, a word about the bottle and label. It’s lovely; from the embossed label to the large gold leaf lettering...in harmony with the gold ribbon-stripe…its elegance and simplicity make for an especially nice presentation. And the creamy white wax treatment on top is a classy touch. (It’s not the expensive, heavy, soon-to-be-recycled fancy glass decanter that looks like an over-sized perfume bottle that matters; it’s what’s inside the bottle that counts!)

Again, not possible, nor desirable, to pop a cork, slam a dram, and expect to develop a reasoned, thoughtful opinion. For my sampling, I used a tulip-shaped tasting glass from a Francois Voyer Hors d’Age set. It’s a great glass with a small stem, making it easier to palm and thus gently warm the cognac. For this cognac, a little warmth rewards with both aroma and flavor.

A great cognac should never be hurried, and Selection No. 2 is no exception. It has a gentle, nuanced personality. Its flavor profile is unique, with a dry, graceful essence. It has a lightness I was certainly not expecting for such an old cognac; of course, EXTRA doesn’t always mean dark and heavy. Selection No. 2 pairs well with dark chocolate, but not too dark. Bitter chocolate would distract the palate from this spirit’s subtle, elegant nature. This is a cognac I especially look forward to sharing with friends.

~Well balanced, with light pepper/spice and subtle fruit. After some time, delightful floral aromas develop.

~Medium nose, very engaging; smooth, clean and slightly dry finish.

Nose : 5

Palate : 5

Aftertaste (finish) : 5