Grosperrin Petite Champagne 55yo 41,3%

One of the very first Lots in Grosperrin history, one that has been opened during the last Whisky Live Paris. This 55yo Petite Champagne comes from a family of négociants who have been storing and trading old cognacs for several generations, a lineage that still holds pre-phylloxera eaux-de-vie today. The lot from which this bottle was drawn belonged to an old château that lived through the German occupation during the Second World War.
Carbon-14 analysis confirms that this cognac is at least from 1944, a date officially recognised by the French customs. Its origins are believed to reach even further back in time, but several administrative documents were lost or destroyed during the occupation, preventing a more precise declaration.

Colour: Old gold with golden lights. Irregular medium tears.

Nose: Very delicate. Waxy and floral at first, with clear patina of old spirit and a hint of OBE. Bright tea notes. Vivid tangerine juice. Leather cream and mushroom-like shades — the rancio building slowly. Waxy profile reminiscent of old whisky blends (70s White Horse). Sharp chalky notes with a floral lift, almost Estève-like.

Palate: Fragile texture but good length. Classic PC acidulous notes. Heavy cigar tones, strong oak influence. Tropical fruit gums. Wild rancio – lamb meat, old leather.

Last Notes: A moving perfume, revealing its age and fragility. Pre-WWII Petite Champagne nose. Precious wood, gentle truffle nuances. Back on the palate: toffee, acidulous cola sweets. Finishes on herbal notes –  honeysuckle, rosemary.

A delicate, fragile Petite Champagne. Imperfect in many aspects, with a bit too much structure, but its elegance makes you forgive everything.

My very subjective note: 90/100