This summer, pick a Merlet cognac to suit your taste!

The French Merlet family started producing fine eaux de vie in 1850, many of which were purchased by the most luxurious cognac houses you can think of. Now they make their own, in a number of different expressions. I was happy to be hosted to experience them!

Merlet VS cognac – I experienced light-to-medium honey but sheer color. Vanilla and sweet grape, raisin nose. Juicy flavors, a touch of alcohol bite. Later, cask and spice notes. Very drinkable! A lighter style. This is what they say about it:

Degree : 40% vol. % vol.
For their Merlet VS Cognac, Gilles and his sons selected and blended eaux-de-vie from different regions of the cognac appellation, to ensure consistent quality. The eaux-de-vie were aged for at least two years. The Cognacs selected for this blend are light and easy to approach, mostly from Fins Bois ‘crus’, but also from Bons Bois and a little bit of Petite Champagne. Depending on the blends, other ‘crus’ eaux-de-vie distilled by Merlet can be called upon. The Merlet VS Cognac is slightly woody and delicately fruity.
Service

The Merlet VS cognac ideally can be enjoyed with sparkling water or a soda.
Tasting notes

Colour: Straw
Nose: Delicate, dominated by the eau-de-vie and with subtle notes of vanilla and pear
Palate: Light, with subtle wood

Merlet VSOP cognac – I experienced sheer amber color. Light floral nose. Bright. Richer, creamy vanilla notes, good spice, peach skin, alcohol heat. This is what they say about it:

Degree : 40 % vol.
For their Merlet VSOP Cognac, Gilles and his sons selected and blended eaux-de-vie from different regions of the cognac appellation, to ensure consistent quality. The eaux-de-vie were aged for at least four years. Most of the Cognacs selected for this blend are from Fins Bois ‘crus’, famed for their fruitiness and their capacity to mature fast when barrel-aged. Cognacs from Petite Champagne bring complexity to the blend. Depending on the blends, other ‘crus’ eaux-de-vie distilled by Merlet can be called upon. The Merlet VSOP Cognac is characterized by intense yet subtle fruity notes, such as peach, and a supple and round palate.
Service

The Merlet VSOP is a rich cognac, to be enjoyed straight or in a cocktail as the Horse’s neck or the Cognac Collins.
Tasting notes

Colour: Light brown with amber hue.
Nose: Delicate and subtle, with intense fruitiness. Notes of white fleshed fruits and peach.
Palate: Round and supple, with a very fruity finish.

Merlet Brothers Blend cognac – I experienced medium maple color. Full and rich honey, hay and flowers nose. Smooth, full bodied, toasty. Woods. This is what they say about it:

Degree : 40 % vol.
The Merlet Brothers Blend cognac was produced by Gilles and his sons Pierre and Luc. A new style for a new generation. Merlet Brothers Blend is made with eaux-de-vie aged for at least 4 years. Most of the eaux-de-vie selected for this blend are from Fins Bois ‘crus’, with a fifth coming from Grande Champagne. The union of cognacs of different ages make it possible to develop a unique style – the youngest bring vigour and power, while the oldest bring complexity and maturity. Merlet Brothers Blend can be enjoyed on ice – the fruit aromas are highlighted and new floral flavours come to the fore.
Service

The fruitiness and elegance of the Merlet Brothers Blend cognac make it very easy to sip and wonderful in cocktails as the Sidecar or the Orchard & Vine. Its fresh and delicate notes work perfectly with other ingredients without overpowering them.
Tasting notes

Nose: Elegant and energetic, with notes of candied apricot, quince, white flowers, cinnamon and vanilla Palate: Merlet Brothers Blend unveils delicate notes of white fruits (peach and apricot) and a subtle woodiness. It’s a supple and well-balanced cognac, with a long and pleasant finish.

Merlet XO cognac – I experienced dark polished wood color. Bright bouquet and bursting fruit nose, then chocolate. Very spicy, alcohol heat nose. Smooth, cocoa and spice flavors. Elegant. This is what they say about it:

Degree : 40 % vol.
The Merlet XO Cognac is the classic par excellence for lovers of old eaux-de-vie. It’s round and warm, extremely elegant. Gilles and his sons Pierre and Luc produce this blend with very old cognacs (aged for at least ten years) distilled in their stills and matured in the family’s cellars. The Merlet XO Cognac is made with eaux-de-vie from different ‘crus’ of the appellation and offer a rich and fruity aromatic palette, characteristically Merlet.
Service

The Merlet XO cognac is enjoyed neat.
Tasting notes

Colour: Dark brown with golden tinges.
Nose: Rich and complex, with an ample aromatic range that goes from orange peel and vanilla to white flowers.
Palate: Clean, then round and ample, with fine woodiness. The fruit notes are clear and lasting.