It looks like my previous few brandy evaluations have had a sure theme of “I lastly get to do this.”
Like Tesseron, Guillion-Painturaud is a family-owned Cognac home from Grand Champagne and a model I’ve identified of ever since my early days of exploring spirits critically. I first heard of it by means of considered one of Ok&L Spirit Journal’s episodes when it was nonetheless a podcast near a decade in the past. As a result of there weren’t – and nonetheless aren’t – any small French brandy manufacturers domestically accessible, till lately, I’ve solely been in a position to purchase much less widespread but top quality brandy manufacturers similar to Adrien Camut Calvados and L’Encantada Armagnac from Ok&L Wines.
I do know there are different websites to order from, however most of my US-based relations are based mostly in California. So, it’s been handy for me to order from Ok&L, who has outlets in numerous cities throughout California and have my bottles shipped inside the state. There’s additionally that mentality of since they have been in all probability one of many first wine and spirits shops to take an opportunity on selling boutique manufacturers, that they’ve earned my respect and have saved my loyalty all these years.
Sadly, Ok&L can’t ship internationally, so I’ve needed to both personally decide up or ask a member of the family touring to deliver residence a couple of of my bottlers every time they go. Because of this, I’ve solely been in a position to order a handful of bottles from them per yr. Seeing the quantity of stuff I want I had purchased, it was painful to see some exit of inventory ceaselessly.
A whole lot of want listing manufacturers and bottles similar to this Guillon-Painturaud VSOP saved being pushed again. In any case, brandy isn’t the one sort of spirit I order from Ok&L. In addition they have a hearty number of different spirits like rum, whisk(e)y and agave spirits. These eat up the funds and baggage area too. Briefly, I’d be a fairly horrible Captain Ahab of booze.
Fortunately, I discovered about Cognac Skilled. OK, correction: somebody from Cognac Skilled reached out to me. Their with the ability to ship internationally and number of Cognac, which is one of the best I’ve seen to date, has helped me reduce the backlog of Cognacs I’ve been desirous to strive.
Earlier than we probably get an accusing remark insinuating that this can be a paid commercial, right here’s a disclaimer: sure, Cognac Skilled has despatched me samples and a free bottle of Cognac free of charge previously. I’ve reviewed them and scored them pretty. Be happy to verify evaluations one, two, three and 4. I’m merely sharing Ok&L and Cognac Skilled as doable sources as a result of I do know there’s a good quantity of curious drinkers who’re all for exploring French brandies, they only don’t know the place to browse and purchase. It’s my want to allow them to know the place they’ll order.
Guillon-Painturaud’s historical past might be traced again to 1610. Simply attempt to digest and admire how uncommon it’s to have a product that’s been made by a household that’s been doing it for 400 years. Being a small household operation, they presently do every little thing on their property. By “every little thing,” I imply rising the grapes, fermentation, distillation, growing old and bottling. They solely develop Ugni Blanc grapes of their 18 hectare property in Grand Champagne, which additionally they use to provide Pineau de Charentes.
Guillon-Painturaud VSOP – Overview
40% ABV. $59.99 from Ok&L Wines. €46 from Cognac Skilled.
Shade: Golden yellow.
On the nostril: Initially sharp and full fruity aromas. I get medium, however quick, aromas of dried mango, dried apricot, gooseberries, candied walnuts and lemons. After which are gentle aromas of oranges, pears with pores and skin and vinegar.
Within the mouth: The ethanol sensation isn’t as sharp as on the nostril. Which, I believe, makes this extra expressive. I get gentle to medium and extra lasting tastes of dried apricot, gooseberries, dried mango, lemons, pears with pores and skin, ginger tea, freshly squeezed orange juice and candied walnuts. As I let this breathe extra, extra candy fruit and sweet notes began got here out.
Conclusions:
I’ve to remind myself that I’m reviewing a VSOP which is significantly youthful than the three earlier Cognacs I’ve reviewed. However it’s additionally a superb probability to match it to the available VSOPs from the large 4 (Remy, Hennessy, Martell, and Courvoisier).
This has a full, simple however easy profile. There isn’t a lot complexity and layers however that’s OK for one thing that’s 4 years previous minimal. I’m solely aware of Remy’s and Henny’s VSOPs because the different two huge manufacturers aren’t actually energetic right here. I believe the 2 are extra like Glenlivet 12 and Glenfiddich 12. They’re simple to drink, protected, mellow, and extra on the oaky (boisy facet). Whereas this Guillon is extra like consuming a Craigellachie 13 or Clynelish 14: much less oaky and extra spirit-forward.
In the event you’re trying to moist your beak on a smaller model VSOP that’s of a distinct fashion from the standard manufacturers, do this.
