I believe the consensus pick is the 85 Petite Champagne. I will collate all the notes on it here. Price for the 1985 is 185 euros (~$200) with no VAT (700 mL). The cognac can be directly ordered from Cognac Pasquet and will be directly shipped from there to any US state. Shipping will be approximately $45 for one bottle and $55 for two bottles ($65 for 4 bottles). We will have a minimum commitment of 120 bottles, with a maximum of about 200-250 bottles. I will create a google spreadsheet where people can commit to bottles, and once we have 120 we can submit the order for the cognac, which should only take about a month to be prepared and sent out.
The link to commit to purchase a bottle is here.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-gQyKJl6Z1vJirUHjoNEcHTsir7c_gPJZB2X25V1sC8/edit
My notes: Petite Champagne from 1985 (52.3% ABV) Crème brûlée, Ginger, white pepper and a hint of burnt incense on the nose. A bit of barley on the palate, SUPER long complex finish with myriad flavors. This was the most vinous of the cognacs and the finish was stunning. I could drink this all day. COTF #1/4
Troy/Gina Stark: Gina’s first comment “This is different, in a good way.” Both of us thought the nose on this was “darker, more serious.” We thought there were “earthy” notes (Gina said “decaying leaves”, Troy says “moss and underbrush”). Some strong toasted notes, along with caramelized apple. Oloroso Sherry notes as well as freshly ground pink peppercorn. On the palate, this is the richest, most mouth-coating. It has real weight and substance. It’s also the smoothest and roundest with the least amount of overt heat. This is overtly sweet. I mean, there’s no sugar in it, but it seems like it’s sweet. There’s a dense, long finish, which again gives an impression of sweetness, along with vanilla and some dried lemon peel. This would appeal to someone who likes high-end Rye. There’s a lot going on here.
Ultimately, we were torn between the Fine Bois and the 85 PC. They are both very good, but are appealing for different reasons. The Fine Bois has an intoxicating nose, but more heat on the palate. The PC 85 is more serious and probably has more going on on the palate. Maybe a slight edge to the Fine Bois if you want to pick something with broader appeal. If you want a more “Cognac drinker’s Cognac,” maybe pick the PC 85.
Patrick Taylor: This was the most malleable of the samples. Oddly, while there was no alcohol on the nose, the first sips were quite harsh and medicinal. The front palate was sweet like toffee, not syrupy like butterscotch, but the finish was overweight and ponderous. When I added a drop of water, it was like night and day. The front, middle, and finish became much more integrated. Adding two or three additional drops of water caused the cognac to be even more interesting. It was as if the cognac was putting on its best face no matter the conditions.
Alan Rath: Petite Champagne from 1985 (52.3% ABV) slight hint of sweetness on the nose, hard to distinguish this from the PC90s, the alcohol is prominent, should have added a bit of water to these.
Will Segui: PC85 had a depth, good fruit/flavor and a long, enjoyable finish.
