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Unbelievable quality for the price. Outscored Delamain Pale and Dry, Martell Cordon Bleu, and four other noted cognacs in expert blind tastings (1989). Based on our first (1987) release,Lot 27 is no longer the same animal. We have learned a lot about when to harvest, how to vinify, how to distill, how to blend. Plus, we have an older cellar. We still like the youthful fruit of 5-year-old brandies (apple and pear), but we also like the deeper flavors that come from more age, trending towards plum/apricot. The blend is very rich, with 10-year-old Colombard, some Riesling, and a touch of Zinfandel. There is also a solera enrichment: Joe Corley rolls over earlier lots into the ongoing blends.

"An invitingly herbal and woodsy initial aroma of sage, nutmeg and cassia bark; more minutes find the juniper behind the assertive spice and herb flavorings. The palate entry is round, semisweet and moderately oily; at midpalate the taste is of rosemary and coriander and pepper. Finishes elegantly, firmly and squeaky clean. Best Buy." 90-95 pts.

"Mild aromas of sugared orange peels. A very smooth and silky entry leads to a delicate, dryish light-to-medium body of sweet orange zest and cream flavors with a tingly mineral and pepper fade. Nice purity and poise."

All the elegance, balance, and depth one would expect in a world class brandy. The apple character is balanced by an undercurrent of spice (mulling spice, light black pepper) for backbone and a rounded sweetness for depth. Could be the best Calvados we've ever had.