Distiller Notes
Guillon-Painturaud VSOP is aged for an average of 15 years, far greater than the required four years for the grade. For the first six months a small fraction of eau de vie rest in new French oak (Troncais), and then moves into "futz foux" (Limousin). This bottling is unfiltered and has no additives.
Proof: 80
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
Aged 15 years — significantly longer than most other VSOPs — yet still light yellow-gold in color. Classic Grande Champagne nose of orange peel, purple flowers and pastry dough, plus a hint of attractive smokiness. Oily in the mouth, offering flavors of dried apricots, raisin and peach pie, balanced by hazelnut and dark chocolate on the lengthy finish.
Widely regarded as the finest and most complex grape-based spirit in the world, Cognac follows rigorously strict production guidelines. It is made exclusively of wine—most commonly from Ugni Blanc—from the Charente and Charente-Maritime regions surrounding the town of Cognac in southwestern France. After a second distillation in antique copper pot stills (called charentais), the spirit is transferred to French oak barrels and aged a minimum of two years (VS). Cognac is classified by both age and region (Cru). The Grande Champagne Cru and Petite Champagne Cru, both having shallow limestone soils, are the most respected.