Review: Grand Brulot
Grand Brulot is a VSOP Cognac blended with French Brandy and Ecuadorian coffee beans. It is handcrafted by the Tardy family on their estate in the Cognac region of France. Christoph Tardy, a fifth generation cognac producer starts with the finest eaux de vie, made with a blend of Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes from their single estate. The Tardy family has been handcrafting grape spirits since 1880. The spirit is aged for 4-5 years in French oak barrels. 100% Robusta Ecuadorian coffee bean essence is extracted and blended with brandy to meld for a couple of months before it is blended with the VSOP cognac. The blend is comprised of 51% VSOP Cognac, and 49% liqueur de cafe. In the 18th century the French introduced the concept of spiking their coffee with brandy to create a digestif. Grand Brulot was created to bring that tradition back. It pours to a black coffee color. The aroma is vanilla, coffee, grape, oak, and spice. Additional time in the glass brings out notes of dark chocolate. The sweet honey and grape entry is joined by vanilla and cream. Coffee arrives building to a robust coffee peak. It fades with nutmeg, chocolate cake, coffee, and grape. The finish is dry and oaky leaving orange peel and mocha taste. Grand Brulot is a tasty well balanced liqueur with both cognac, and coffee flavor.
Grand Brulot Espresso Martini
2 Oz. Grand Brulot
1 Oz. Half and Half
.25 Oz. Vanilla Syrup
Shake With Ice
Strain Into a Chilled Martini Glass
Garnish With Coffee Beans and Cocoa Powder
Made in France
40% Alcohol
Score: 91
Award: Gold Medal