Merlet Sélection Saint Sauvant Cognac Blend N°1 (75cl, 45.2%)

A limited-edition Cognac from Merlet, a family-run house in Saint-Sauvant distilling since 1850. Blend N°1 was bottled in 2013 and combines eaux-de-vie from Petite Champagne, Grande Champagne and Fins Bois, with Petite Champagne from 1993 and Fins Bois from 1992 and 2001. The strength is slowly reduced to 45.2% ABV. It is fruit-driven and aromatic, with notes of peaches, tropical fruits, vanilla, dried apricot, prunes, lavender blossom, orange, raisins, cinnamon and almond. The palate is punchy, with deep fruit, nutty character and clove-studded oranges, apricots and chocolate. Best neat in a tulip glass at room temperature, with a few drops of water if preferred.