I wanted to broaden my palate beyond just Whisky and after some Research discovered the delightful world of Brandy's. There are probably just as many if not more types & brands of Brandy's as there are Whisky's and some of the most famous are the French Cognacs.
There are also several grades starting from lowest:
Initial Reaction
It is flavorful, sweet and a nice nose (fragrance). In terms of 'taste' its about par with a Johnnie Walker Black, but only half as interesting as a Highland Park 12.
For sweetness, its almost the same as a Macallan 12 and honestly, the viscosity & taste reminded me of the time I added a teaspoon of Maple Syrup to a bad bottle of Macallan 12...the Hennessy VSOP was almost identical in that experience! Not saying it's a bad thing, but I wasn't anticipating that syrupy viscosity of Cognac.
While, I won't abandon Whisky in favor of Cognac. I do see it as a welcome way to gain perspective on both types of spirits. I can appreciate better both a good Blend & Single Malt and at the same time also know in certain conditions when to desire a Cognac.
Second Tasting
Yes, this makes sense as an after dinner drink; a Digestif. I can't get over the Syrupy consistency. It's acceptable, but just not something I'm accustomed to having imbibed primarily Whisky's for past few years; but then this is why I wanted to deviate and try something different to compare.
I waited a few days and popped open the Highland Park 12 and yes, I still prefer Whisky for now. No fault of the Cognac! I just see the Cognac limited for certain situations and too polite. I will consider adding a bottle of Cognac to the 12 bottle annual rotation....so 11 Whisky's and 1 Cognac...
There are also several grades starting from lowest:
- VS (Very Special)
- VSOP (Very Special Old Pale)
- XO (Extra Old).
Initial Reaction
It is flavorful, sweet and a nice nose (fragrance). In terms of 'taste' its about par with a Johnnie Walker Black, but only half as interesting as a Highland Park 12.
For sweetness, its almost the same as a Macallan 12 and honestly, the viscosity & taste reminded me of the time I added a teaspoon of Maple Syrup to a bad bottle of Macallan 12...the Hennessy VSOP was almost identical in that experience! Not saying it's a bad thing, but I wasn't anticipating that syrupy viscosity of Cognac.
While, I won't abandon Whisky in favor of Cognac. I do see it as a welcome way to gain perspective on both types of spirits. I can appreciate better both a good Blend & Single Malt and at the same time also know in certain conditions when to desire a Cognac.
Second Tasting
Yes, this makes sense as an after dinner drink; a Digestif. I can't get over the Syrupy consistency. It's acceptable, but just not something I'm accustomed to having imbibed primarily Whisky's for past few years; but then this is why I wanted to deviate and try something different to compare.
I waited a few days and popped open the Highland Park 12 and yes, I still prefer Whisky for now. No fault of the Cognac! I just see the Cognac limited for certain situations and too polite. I will consider adding a bottle of Cognac to the 12 bottle annual rotation....so 11 Whisky's and 1 Cognac...
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