Raynal VSOP

Review #64 - Brandy / Cognac #9 Bought in a 1L bottle from duty free for 22 euros. The bottle looks more bourbony than brandy, but let's see. Aspect - Deep amber colour, most definitely E150. Nose - Sweet, acidity, white grapes, honey, vanilla, oak, oak spice. Palate - Very fruity initially, honey, creamy...but from the mid-palate it turns oaky and very spicy. The latter faded away towards the finish. Finish - Quite short, with red apples, honey, vanilla, caramel, creaminess. It also has prominent floral accents, slightly soapy even, but very pleasant. After-taste features subtle bitterness, slightly dry, and very clear red grape aroma...the fragrant kind...with orange marmelade. The nose scared me a bit due to the acidity...not great. But the palate and finish in particular are really surprisingly good. For 22 euros per litre is great value!

One more proof that brandies' quality is not always reflected by the price. Firstly I was surprized that a brandy can be sooo spicy and then I felt its softness, its oily consistence and all the interesting combined flavours. Its aftertaste makes the difference and it makes it a good choice. With 22 euro/liter I'll allways have it on the top of my preferences.

Raynal VSOP has a clear, copper appearance, with uniform alcohol legs. The aroma is of distilled white wine, grape leaves, and oak. The flavor is of caramelized sugar, grape leaves, and vanilla. The body is medium, with an oily mouthfeel. Raynal VSOP finishes midway sweet to dry. RJT

Golden amber. Grape, certainly, with some grain, fresh cut grass, lemon peel, oak and apple. Medium sweet, basic, with caramel, oak and vanilla flavors; and a bit hot. Not bad at all for the price.

Lovely smell, nice honey initial taste, ut a lottle harsh mid tadte. Aftertaste very pleasent. Sweet Dont uusally like brandy but this is ok. Would t have loads but nice after a few beers

Warm on the way down. Subtle flavors, not complex. Not sweet, which is a bonus in my book. Would go well in mixed drinks.