Drouet is a Cognac producer that traces its historical past again to 1848. Revitalized by the current, 4th technology, they use sustainable agriculture practices throughout their 40 hectares of vines positioned in each the Grande Champagne (70%) and Petite Champagne (30%) crus to create an impressively broad portfolio of conventional expressions and distinctive “craft” Cognacs. We acquired samples of each the VSOP and XO providing, in addition to two “craft” bottlings for assessment. Let’s dig in!
Drouet Cognac VSOP – This traditional expression is produced from Grande Champagne eau-de-vie aged a minimum of 4 years, though Drouet notes that it has been aged longer than the required minimal. And that’s fairly clear. The aroma is well-built and mature with dusky wooden notes, delicate spice, and sugary fruits in equal measure. The palate is mild however well-spiced with darkish vanilla bean, brown sugar, and juicy sultana. The sweetness and spice are properly balanced heading right into a smooth end that showcases delicate baking spice and a lingering darkish cherry sweetness. 80.6 proof. A- / $50
Drouet Cognac XO Ulysee – Named for the current property director’s great-grandfather, this Cognac is produced solely from Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie and aged in a mixture of new and second-fill barrels for a mean of 20 years. The aroma is elegant with gently oxidized notes of roasted nuts, orange oil, and vanilla cream. Stewed stone fruit arrives as issues open and solely grows extra buttery and sultry with time. The palate is mildly oily and nonetheless fairly vigorous regardless of its age with some wood-driven spice, brilliant golden fruits, and a silky, vinous sweetness. The end is lengthy with a little bit of candy pipe smoke and apple-filled pastry. Impressively balanced and complicated. 80.6 proof. A / $165
Drouet Cognac Fantastic Mélina 7 Years Outdated – This “craft” expression, a part of the Barrel Energy Assortment, was distilled with out lees from Grande Champagne grapes harvested in 2012 and aged solely in older casks. This one is vigorous and complicated, nearly Armagnac-like in its presentation. The aroma is light however nonetheless wealthy with notes of toasted coconut, chocolate shavings, and darkish fruits. The palate is punchy with a warming spice and juicy candy notes of prune and fig. Sandalwood and baking spice arrive on the mid-palate earlier than a well-spiced end of ginger snaps and tinned pears. 84.4 proof. A / $80
Drouet Cognac Small Batch Muscat de Rivesaltes Cask End 9 Years Outdated – One other Barrel Energy Assortment providing, this Cognac was produced from Petit Champagne grapes harvested in 2011. It was historically aged for six years earlier than a 35-month secondary maturation in Muscat de Rivesaltes casks from Area des Schistes. The aroma is fruit-forward with pear cake, dried berries, and lychee nut. Buttery sugar cookie and smooth baking spice arrive as issues open within the glass. The palate is silky with marzipan, a gentle woody spice, and considerable wine-driven notes of darkish raisins and stone fruit that are a bit overbearing. The end is lengthy and warming with notes of overripe darkish fruit and pecan shells. 90.6 proof. B+/ $80
Drouet Cognac XO Ulysee
$165
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