Louis Royer
Cognac VSOP Force 53 53% 50cl

Tasted: Apr 2013
The aromas are quite light but pungent. Lightly spirity with dried coconut, raisin and prune rancio. With time the nose becomes thicker and fleshes out with a distinct molasses/ treacle character. Lovely intensity with a gentle spiciness along with a late touch of orange and raw cane sugar.

The palate is full and sweet with a depth of rich, molasses/ treacle coated dried fruit. Distinctly rum like and although it is mouth-filling and dense the elevated alcohol gives it a fresh intensity which balances the richness. Very complex with juicy dried raisins, marzipan and deftly woven spices. Seriously intense for a Cognac with a tongue tingling finish. Very long with a touch of dark coffee/ cocoa and slight bittering from the oak. I wonder if it wasn’t bottled at 53% would it be a bit sweet and flabby?

The answer to that is no. With the addition of water the nose becomes oilier, but still quite pungent. with less of the molasses character the dried fruit now shows a lovely demerara sugar coating. Quite earthy with an almost peaty note. The palate is like the nose, lighter and softer. Maybe not quite as complex as it was neat but possibly a touch more elegant now with some dried apricot and nutty banana notes now noticeable. Still finishes with a coffee’d flourish.