France, 40%
Courvoisier VSOP is a cognac,a type of brandy made from fermenting grapes and double distillation on copper pot stills.It is a blend of eaux-de-vie from the Fins Bois,Grande and Petite champagne growing crus,which are the two premier regions of cognac.It is aged for 8-12 years in French oak barrels from Troncais and Limousin forests.It has a harmonious floral,nutty and fruity aromas and flavors,with notes of peach,almond,vanilla and jasmine.It is smoother and more complex than the VS (very Special) expression.
Nose: Whole coffee beans, mint leaves, kumquat, and red grape notes appear at first. Give it a minute and more savoury elements appear, with hints of buttered brown bread and a little whiff of sawdust.
Palate: More coffee notes as it opens (this would be a really good partner to espresso after a big meal). Develops touches of brown sugar, waxy apple peels, sweet pea, and a fragrant oakiness.
Finish: Ooh, a nice waft of almost-smoky cinnamon on the finish. Slowly becomes sweeter with fresh pear and gummy bears.
