Hermitage 45yo Segonzac (2nd Release)

Hermitage 45yo Segonzac (2nd Release)

Brandy: Cognac
From: Grande Champagne
Style: Single distillery
House: Hermitage
Colour: Walnut
ABV: 43.5%

N: molasses, raisins, tobacco leaf, prunes, dried apricots, dried pears.

M: Medium body, tingly, cool, slightly astringent

T: Sweet. Menthol, raisins, leather, watermelon, dried pears, black tea, hints of tobacco leaf.

F: Long. Menthol, watermelon, cinnamon, dried pears, hints of leather.

Comments:

Well now, this is a real treat - 45 years in wood, heaps of flavour, just a little rancio, taking the form of a leather tobacco pouch. I think this is the second release, the first release was just a tad stronger in ABV terms. Age has somehow given this brandy an intense booming flavour profile. It goes on and on and on, I was still tasting this the day after, like the best malt whiskies.

I particularly loved the menthol notes on the tongue and on the finish. It was cooling and refreshing, making this a summer dram rather than a winter one.

Verdict:

Magnificent.