Grosperrin Fins Bois Héritage N°68 56,7%

The latest bottling of this Fins Bois Heritage N°68. Produced in Vars, on chalky soils and close to the Charente river, this 57yo cognac keeps a rocket-fuel ABV. 

Colour: Mahogany, orange lights. Irregular heavy tears.

Nose: Deep rancio at first. Exquisite dark tea shades wrestling with intense exotic notes (mango, papaya). Great honeyed tones. Quite a dark profile, yet firmly structured by fresh undertones. Fresh leather in the background.

Palate: Perfect texture, with high acidity stretching the aftertaste. A kick of spice beautifully lifted by vivid chalky notes. Even at this colossal ABV (from a cognac lover’s POV), precision remains intact, the aromas drop one by one with clarity. Fruity, acidulous notes carried by a stunning mouth length. I was supposed to taste other things afterwards! Deeper than Sponge bottling in my humble opinion. 

Last Notes: Hints of wax. Fresh walnut oil. Speculoos. A bit rounder now, but the chalky backbone persists. Heady floral shades on jasmine and orange blossom. Lovely tangerine jam. Those salivating acetate notes that simply make you smile. Isn’t that all we ask from spirits? Infinite fruitiness, smooth tannins.

A delicious expression of Fins Bois. And yet, I keep wondering where this could go with such a chalky structure (and rocket-fuel ABV). With a bit more depth and maturity, it could flirt with 92. But yes, I’m splitting hairs.