#251 A midnight brandy tasting...

After a long day at work, a late dinner and half a bottle of wine, the last thing you need to do is say "I know, lets have a brandy tasting", but that is exactly what happened and we raided our, rather well stocked, drinks cupboard and hauled out a selection of spirits.  Now remember that we were a little... errrr... not too sober, so our slightly silly comments about pretty girls should only be taken with a light heart!

Chateau de Beaulon Folle Blanche 7 Year Old Cognac
Light and lemony aroma, a little white chocolate and spearmint, then a menthol aroma coming off.  A small alcohol prickle on the nose too.  The palate is quite tannic, got some spice, some tasty dried fruit, a little leather and pepper.  Quite clean, but pretty simple.  This is like your first girlfriend - you glad you had it, but it isn't the one you are going to spend the rest of your life with!  7/10

Remy Martin XO Cognac
Sweet chocolate, lots of raisins and a rich fruit cake aroma.  A little sweet tobacco too, and a bit of basil.  Rich, dry palate with drier honey elements and lots of herbs on the finish.  Definitely just a one night stand!  7.5/10

Jacopo Poli Arzente Wine Brandy
Oh dear - this is the sweet, Italian mistake you made at University!  Pear drops, some chemical element coming through with dirty elements.  Very sweet with a lot of banana, and an oily texture!  A good idea at the time, but, dear lord, when you look back it really wasn't your greatest call. 6/10

Hennessy Paradis Cognac
A supermodel.  Beautiful, gentle aroma with some citrus elements, peel and some sweeet tobacco aromas.  The palate is gorgeous with a little grippy tannin, and loads of sweet fruit and honey on the finish.  It is gorgeous, but when you explore further, it is just a bit too thin and a bit of an alcoholic!  They you realise that when you are done with it, it has taken all your money and you are left with an empty feeling inside. 7.5/10

Laubade 1985 Bas Armagnac
Soft, really soft with a herbal and minty aroma, mixed with dried fruit.  The palate is fruitier, sweet with some gorgeous creamy texture and a spice and honey finish.  A rich mouthful, and I really like this.  This is the perfect girl you fall in love with that you want to marry. 8.5/10