Gilles Brisson Napoleon Cognac 750ml

The big Cognac houses have the marketing budgets. Gilles Brisson has the terroir — and four generations of family who know exactly what to do with it. The estate sits in Châteaubernard, the cradle of the Grande Champagne appellation, just two miles from the city of Cognac itself, with 25 hectares of estate-grown Ugni Blanc — a substantial holding for an independently run Grande Champagne producer. Every bottle carries the prestigious "1er Cru de Cognac" designation, meaning every drop of eaux-de-vie comes exclusively from the finest chalky soils of Grande Champagne.

The Napoléon designation requires the youngest brandy in the blend to be aged at least six years in cask — this one is aged 12 years. The nose mixes luscious caramel and spice with surprising lightness and delicacy on the palate — elegant caramel, oak, tea, vanilla, sarsaparilla, and clove. Give it a swirl; exposure to air yields butterscotch-like notes too. 

Wine Enthusiast awarded it 93 points blind, calling it an outstanding value. The estate ages their Cognacs far longer than legislation requires , and it shows — this drinks like something that should cost considerably more. A discovery bottle for anyone who thinks Cognac has to come in a crystal decanter to be worth their attention.