Hennessy’s Grasp Blender’s Choice releases have been arriving at haphazard intervals since their 2016 launch. We reviewed Nos. 2 and 3, however missed out on No. 4. Now Grasp Blender’s Choice No. 5 is right here — the primary launch in three years — so we’ll must make up for misplaced time. This trip, Hennessy has a singular strategy that has nothing to do with wooden or uncooked components, however moderately individuals:
This newest restricted version mix celebrates the fervour and experience of 18 distinctive distillers. Every distiller performs an important function in enhancing the wines’ aromas, concentrating them within the coronary heart of the chosen eaux-de-vie that are particularly chosen by Renaud for his or her distinctive qualities.
Says Renaud Fillioux de Gironde, “I needed to pay tribute to the artisans behind the scenes – unique Hennessy distillers who’re consultants and share with us, yr after yr, first-rate eaux-de-vie outstanding for his or her purity, finesse and potential. Some have been with us virtually because the Maison was based over 200 years in the past. It usually takes a few years of coaching between generations for the son or daughter of the present distiller to take over. It’s with these future generations that we’ll proceed to develop and provide cognacs rooted in our terroir but deeply up to date in nature.”
To craft the Grasp Blender’s Choice No 5 requires an unprecedented eaux-de-vie choice course of, adopted by a maturing technique of no less than seven years in French oak barrels, lending to its fragrant complexity. Renaud has chosen and mixed totally different eaux-de-vie produced by these 18 distinctive households of distillers, merging their characters and personalities to create an unmatched cognac. Grasp Blender’s Choice is Hennessy’s solely cognac bottled at 43%.
Concludes Renaud, “Being the eighth era Grasp Blender is an incredible honor, and I really feel privileged to have the ability to proceed the craft that was handed all the way down to me by my uncle Yann Fillioux. With Grasp Blender’s Choice No 5, I opted for an revolutionary strategy mix produced in a single batch that may by no means be replicated – this restricted version is a celebration of the collaborative spirit and experience on the earth of Cognac.”
Hennessy has a repute for delicacy and fruitiness, however this Cognac is a special beast: Daring, toasty, and layered with darker, duskier notes. Aromas vary from candy tobacco to polished wooden up high to notes of cherry cola and brewed tea because the aromatics construct within the bowl of the glass. Florals emerge as dried and gently perfumed, heavy on purple flowers. A touch of orange peel, evenly bitter, arrives in time.
The palate doesn’t stray a lot from the theme: evenly candy and heavy with cherry cola notes, a raspberry character shortly comes into focus so as to add a darker and extra tart high quality on the tongue. More and more laden with chocolate because it develops on the palate, the brandy slowly evolves to evoke a mixture of espresso and black tea notes. The berry parts are by no means removed from view, although, they usually pair properly with the late-breaking notes of caramel, vanilla, and baking spices that supply a festive, vacation really feel to the end.
I’ve loved all of the Hennessy Grasp Blender’s releases thus far, however that is most likely my favourite of the bunch.
86 proof.
A / $100 / hennessy.com
Hennessy Grasp Blender’s Choice No. 5
$100
