Paul Beau VSOP Cognac

Tasting Notes by Tim F

• N

  Richer and considerably more complex than expected. Brown sugar, fig, plum, baked apples, red grapes, cooked pear, some sandalwood, hay, fresh cut flowers... you get the idea: there's a lot going on here. Some really winey aromas, similar to aged Burgundy or Amontillado (almonds, melting butter etc) emerge as it aerates.

• P

  The richness of flavour is there, but with a lightness of touch in the mouthfeel ie not as heavy as one might expect from the nose (this is not a bad thing, merely an observation). Delicious sweet candied notes mingle with toffee apples and honeysuckle mid-palate. Really well-defined flavours again on a medium-full palate demonstrating a remarkable elegance and delicacy.

• F

  A crescendo of sweet fruit flavour, then a gradual glissando into slow-fading honey and spice. Good length. Mouth-watering.

• C

  I would be shocked if there wasn't a large proportion of cognacs much older than VSOP in this cuvee - but with the perfect balance of younger spirit to keep it fresh and lively. The delicate balance of flavour and finesse is extraordinary at this level. Clearly the work of a blender at the very top of his game.