DUDOGNON SELECTION GRAND CHAMPAGNE COGNAC, France

The bright pear and citrus notes make this a perfect mixer for cocktails, and the soft tea finish adds a nice layer of complexity. I’ve been using it in sidecars and it really elevates the drink without being too heavy.

Finally, a cognac that actually works in cocktails without getting lost. The bright pear and citrus notes cut through mixers beautifully, and the soft tea finish keeps it from being too sweet. My sidecar has never tasted this balanced.

Opened this after a long week and the nose hit me instantly — juicy pear and lemon zest, exactly as promised. It's smooth enough to sip neat but the soft tea notes give it a gentle twist that makes it shine in a simple highball. For a 5 year old cognac, it's remarkably bright and lively.