Jean-Luc Pasquet - Le Cognac d’André - Lot 73 - 51,4%
Photo taken at Roche Bobois Stuttgart
Bienvenue au bercail! This beautiful bottling was released by the highly reputatable House of Pasquet from the Petit Champagne to honour the winemaker André Bertandeau, who was deported to concentration camp Buchenwald in WW2 and survived it. After his return to France he started with wine making and became a legend in the region of Cognac due to his great wines and Eaux-de-vies. What an impressive personality and moving live story!
Nose
In a blind tasting we would instantly assign it to a beautiful Rosebank Whisky (which is in fact a huge compliment). It's absolutely lowlandish. We are like standing in the middle of a vibrant flowerfield, reminiscing in vernal scents of camomile, violets, daisies and lavender and feel reminded of the chrysanthemums Jacques Brel was singing about in 'J'arrive'. While sitting on that field we butter some fresh baked bread and spread some concentrated hazelnutcreme on it. What a treat for your mind in those cold and inhospitable winter days. With time, we also find a few mint leaves. How enjoyable, but where are the grapes?
Palate
The flowerish experience continues with a perfect roundness, light body and a very silky texture. After more than 40 years in a cask, the balance is astonishing. It still feels a bit like Rosebank, but on the palate the grapes now step forward. Imagine a sweet and rich tarte with hazelnut cream, honey, sultanas and dates. On top of it you squeeze a slice of lemon and serve it with a light morrocan mint tea. Are you also hungry now? Us too..
Finish
Long and refreshing with a nice and soft cooling effect of peppermint and camphor. What's not adorable here? Don't worry this ain't no heavy oak menthol you often find in very old drams.
Rating
Since we love uniqueness in a spirit, we would've personally prefer it to be more grape-forward. But that's actually our only subjective complaint here. Technically, it's very well done and a must-have for anyone who's into gentle, smooth and floral Cognacs (or a fantastic and affordable malternative for Rosebank fans).
