When you didn’t assume you’d discover room for innovation and new blood in old fashioned Cognac, look no additional than the Naud household, which revived an outdated distillery and has been making Cognac right here since 2017. The operation additionally produces gin and vodka along with its 4 expressions of the enduring French brandy. We begin our protection of Naud with its second-level expression, a VSOP.

Fairly floral on its nostril, the aromas of freshly produced eaux de vie waft from the glass, layering in notes of lavender, vanilla, gingerbread spices, and orange blossoms. The vanilla turns into extra immersive with time in glass, taking over a cookie-like character that mixes in some sweetness with the perfumed notes.

The palate does an admirable job at melding the above collectively, providing a clearer vanilla cookie character however nonetheless loads of spice and florals. The fragrance notes endure, melding with late-game milk chocolate, almond, and a few lingering, ending notes of black tea. A bit hard-edged at instances, however a powerful squeeze of orange oil and a little bit of apricot give the end a fruity high quality, all dusted with these enduring, summery florals.

Whereas maybe best in a Sidecar, it’s obtained loads of life to advantage sipping solo after (or earlier than) dinner.

A- / $60 / naudspirits.com

Naud Cognac VSOP

$60