Amateur Spirit Domaine la Prenellerie Lot 83

Review by: The Auditor

Review #1387; Brandy #73

Here we have a bottling of coganc bons bois from Domaine La Prenellerie. This came from 100% Ugni Blanc grapes, aged for 40 years, and bottled at cask strength via natural reduction with no additives.

Distillery: Domaine la Prenellerie

Bottler: Amateur Spirit

Region:  France

Still: Column

ABV: 49.5%

Nose:  Rich Medley of dark fruits, Blackberry, Fig Jam, Raspberry, Toasted Nuts, Dark Chocolate

Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Blackberry, Fig Jam, Toasted Nuts, Dark Chocolate, Clove, Nutmeg, Candied Orange Peel

Finish:  Long finish, Star Anise, Fig Jam, Dark Chocolate, Nutmeg, Candied Orange Peel, Lemon Tart, Earl Grey Tea

Conclusion: Having not drank any Brandy in a good bit with my hyperfocus on rum, this is a wonderful change of pace. This is rich with fruits, toasted nuts, a nice backbone of dark chocolate, but despite the age just pops with those fruit notes. There is a nice earl grey spice on the back end but it doesn’t even come close to over-oaked for me and in wonderfully balanced.

Final Score: 91

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent whisky 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.

Published by The Auditor

Unknown's avatar

I have drank my fair amount of single malt but got started writing reviews about Single Malt and Bourbon in 2018. Over 1000 total reviews later and I focus mainly on Sugar Cane Spirits now. However, single malt is a still a spirits category I enjoy greatly as is Agave and Brandy. I wouldn’t go as far as to call myself an expert but I am the resident Rum obsessed writer for Malt Runners.

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