Hennessy Limited Edition "Master Blender's Selection No. 3" Cognac (750ml) (Previously $109)

SKU #1382565 94 points Wine Enthusiast

Like the first Master Blender’s selection, this is a Cognac that will appeal to whiskey-lovers. The mild aroma offers hints of vanilla and prune. The palate surprises with a smoky note, though it’s soon engulfed by huge waves of vanilla, hazelnut and fudge. The long, luscious finish is tinged with orange peel and baking spice. Single batch. Though it’s not labeled with an age category, the producer says this bottling is made with eaux-de-vie that are at least seven years old, which usually would set it in the XO category. (KN) (12/2019)

K&L Notes

The third in the well-received series from Cognac's largest and most prestigious house. This small batch selection of eau-de-vie is the first unique expression by the new master blender Renaud Fillioux de Gironde, eighth generation master blender. The typical goal of a blender for a large house is to take differing and distinct expressions of wine from various vintages and create a consistent product. That task is exacting and complex, but ultimately it is much more like being an architect than an artist. The Master's Blend series allows the blender to unleash their creative energy using the vast stocks from the chais of Hennessy provide the most expensive palette available to anyone. The resulting product is a reminder why Hennessy is truly the champion of cognac, offering an incredible array of deep savory and nutty aromas that indicate some serious age on the blend. We're invested in this product and it's always one of Hennessy most exciting releases, but it never lasts as long as we'd like. Like previous releases this one is highly allocated.