Hailing from a small family run distillery in Segonzac, France, Paul Beau VSOP is a multi award-winning cognac.  Surprisingly, the company only produces 6,000 bottles a year.  Named for the son of the original founder, Samuel Beau who sadly did not have heirs, the company was continued by two company employees, Jean and Simone Petit.  In turn, their daughters Colette and Martine, now oversee production.  So, in a very real way, it is still run by the descendents of the original company which was founded in 1895.

Paul Beau VSOP Cognac (80 proof)
Visual: Solid gold.
Nose: Enveloping and luscious. A perfect marriage of grape distillate and oak aging.  Everything is quite balanced and self confidently expressed.
Taste: If I was doing a blind tasting, I would swear this was an Hors D’Age.  The fire has mellowed beautifully and what is left is a testament to the distiller’s craft.  This is like spending a warm, sunlit afternoon in the French countryside.
Finish: Long and warming with a completely encompassing richness that somehow reminds me of Crème brûlée.  Yes, I’ll have a snifter of this for my dessert, thank you!
Overall: A great find!  Highly recommended and a Cognac that will put many others costing 2-3 times as much to shame.
GSN Rating: A+

For more information go to: Paul Beau

Filed under: Spirits & Liqueurs