1993 Francois Voyer Straight From the Barrel Cask Strength Grande Champagne Cognac (700ml)

Cognacs that are slowly diluted and bottled at 40% ABV are currently the most widely available. More recently a new category is emerging. Cask Strength (brut de fut) Cognac is a term used to describe a cognac that has been bottled straight from the cask. It means that the alcohol content is at a naturally reduced level, which can vary depending on the length of time it has spent aging, the specific barrel and the cellar conditions in which it was aged (humid or dry). These kinds of bottlings are bringing a traditional spirit to a new market, in particular, lovers of rum and single malt. Distilled in 1993 and bottled in 2023, Voyer's limited edition could be classified as XO, derived from a single barrel with a yield of 650 bottles at an impressive 53.6%. It's not only the most deeply coloured cognac from this house, but also heavier and woodier on the nose than any other of Voyer’s offerings, gathering definition with the thickness of fruit cake. There's even more power and depth on the palate in a fabulous oak-fruit extravaganza heightened by wood spices, slightly grippy tannins and a delectable tang. The finish turns Armagnac-like, accenting dried fruits, especially dates and figs. A tour de force by cognac standards, approachable uncut or fine-tune the balance with dilution if you must. Comparing this to cask-strength sherried single malts like Glendronach or Macallan would not be an overstatement. Tasted from a 30ml sample.

Notes from the importers... Nose: Touch of Almond, Bourbon Vanilla, Honey, White Pepper, and Jasmin. Palate: Powerful attack with volume and a lot of intensity. Finish: Soft and persistent ending. Notes of Licorice, Nuts and subtle notes of cloves.