I have always loved brandy. I grew up with the omnipresence of Martell during childhood, it was always pulled out when we had visitors at the weekend.
I started exploring Cognac a few years’ ago when I came across Frapin which I tasted at my local wine merchant store, Weavers in Nottingham.
Cognac Frapin 1270, Grande Champagne Premier Grand Cru was my gateway into this Cognac family.
It is a gorgeously smooth sipping Cognac with a whisper of floral notes, deriving deep amber notes from a short but sweet steeping in Limousin oak barrels.
Cognac Frapin XO VIP was a gift over the festive season. I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover (or in this case Cognac), but it has the wow factor in spade-fulls.
Luxe gold box aside – I can’t bring myself to discard the box because it is so pretty – the bottle itself is stunning.
I have several decanters which I have filled with other spirits, because the Cognac Frapin XO VIP bottle does all the heavy lifting of being a beautiful vessel.
Cognac Frapin XO VIP tasting notes
Slightly peppery on the first few inhales, tempered by honey.
A super smooth sipping Cognac, a fiery spark quickly becomes latent with hints of caramel.
A real treat and one that is poured as a celebratory tipple, or as a Sunday nightcap on the eve of a busy week ahead.
I am thoroughly enjoying this Cognac, I am sipping it as I write this.
The Frapin website says Cognac Frapin XO VIP comes exclusively from the Frapin estate located in Grande Champagne.
This designation is recognised as the most renowned cru of Cognac, offers eaux-de-vie with unmatched aromas, best suited for extended ageing, ensuring optimal quality for the Cognac.
I know it has certainly found a permanent home on my drinks cabinet.
I don’t know where the Cognac Frapin XO VIP was purchased from (it being a lovely gift), but you can get it from Master of Malt for £200.
I know the price tag is hefty, but as a special gift, my God does it deliver.
My everyday Cognac is something I get from a bricks and mortar store.
I buy Cognac Frapin 1270, Grande Champagne Premier Grand Cru from Weavers in Nottingham, at the moment a 70cl bottle is £49.94 from the Weavers’ website.
This wine merchant is my go-to whenever I am seeking something new, or want to top up my drink selection.
Location: Weavers Wines, 1 Castle Gate, Nottingham NG1 7AQ
For more information click here: weaverswines.com