A polished mahogany in the glass, gleaming and clear. The legs are fine and slow-moving - precise, elegant. The nose is immediately expressive: juicy apricot and white peach laced with vanilla, dried flowers, and just a touch of warm oak spice. There's a quiet brightness here - citrus peel, maybe a hint of ginger, that keeps it lively.

Take a sip and it opens in layers. The fruit is ripe but not heavy - plum and golden raisin - balanced by almond, nutmeg, and a thread of fine-grained oak that runs straight through the centre. It's medium-bodied, but moves with a kind of gentle confidence, building slowly with each sip.

The finish is clean and composed, leaving behind dried fruit, soft tannin, and a whisper of sweet spice - like the afterglow of a well-chosen word.

In summary: Remy Martin VSOP is a Cognac that walks the line between precision and generosity. It doesn't overwhelm. It invites. Polished, structured, and effortlessly poised - a quiet classic.