Review by: Raygun

A quick note before anything else for the sake of transparency. This review was done with an industry sample provided free of charge, with no expectations beyond drinking them. As always, I do my best to provide my unbiased opinion, and readers can decide how they want to take this review. For more information, see our Ethics & Transparency statement.

Through the Grapevine is a series of single cask cognacs from La Maison du Whisky. Mostly showcasing small producers in the various sub-regions. All bottled with no additives or coloring. Fradon doesn’t seem to have such a long history, starting their story with Henri Chainier marketing Pineau des Charentes in the 1930s. Their Cognac is distilled from wine consisting mainly of Ugni Blanc with some Folle Blanche and Colombard. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 15 minutes. 

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Distillery: Fradon

Bottler: La Maison du Whisky 

Region/style: Petite Champagne Cognac 

ABV: 46.6%

Age: ~50 years. Produced in 1970 and bottled in 2021.

Color: 1.5 auburn. Natural color and no additives.

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Nose: Rather fresh and not the oak beast I was anticipating. Plums, grapes, and orange blossom honey. Some light florals and saffron.        

Palate: Doesn’t taste so old either. Spicier than the nose, but similar fresh fruit and florals. Cardamom knots, cinnamon toast, plum jam, and a drizzle of honey. Reminding me of Persian fritters, zoolbia. Similar sweet, floral, and a little spicy flavor.     

Finish: More Moroccan kind of spice, but not savory. Pistachio and walnut baklava, orange blossom honey, grapes, and florals again. The nutty flavors are new, but it’s a similar Middle Eastern dessert experience.      

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Conclusion: Reminds some of the Merlet from the same series. Has that freshness and pastry flavors, though I’d say this has more spice. Runs a touch sweet for me. Not that much oak considering the age. I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite of the group, but more than respectable.

Score: 84

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent brandy worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.