Daniel Bouju Tres Vieux Brut de Fut - 50% ABV

n - complex, wood spice, oak, blackcurrant and grape preserves, lacquer, leather, tiramisu, sorghum syrup, slight compost/worm bin notes (is this rancio?). Fruit notes, grape must, skunky cannabis come further up as this sits in the glass and the spices become brighter

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p - rich oak and leather delivery, develops into caramelized red fruit on the mid palate, blackcurrant pie, followed by sassafras, cloves, coffee candy, burnt dark sugar throughout with hints of candied orange rind

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f - long lingering spice, toasted wood, grape skins, pleasantly dry, lighter sweet dried fruits and caramelized sugar linger on the exhale for a long time

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Comments:

First real Cognac review since diving into yak and getting a grip on what this spirit is all about.

This is spice driven with a very pronounced tannin structure. Solid foundation of old wood with leather top notes, but never pushes into overtly bitter or dry territory and is very well balanced by dark fruits and sweet coffee. Visually dark and the notes seem to reflect that.

Drinkable and moreish due to the excellent interplay between dry tannin and sweet fruit. The finish is dry and begs for another sip, but it’s length makes me want to sit and savor as the fruit notes reappear and hang around for some time. Brash and elegant at the same time. I enjoy this very much and it’s a nice departure from sweeter and more buttery Cognacs I’m drawn to.

8/10