Naud VS Cognac 750ml

Naud VS carries a genuinely charming origin story — the brand claims direct inspiration from a legendary little still said to have once stood nestled among willow trees on the Isle of Pinthiers. As the youngest Cognac in the Naud range, VS represents the entry point into a family operation that's been distilling in Pons, on the Charentais hillsides, since 1923, when Émile Perrier founded the house. Now guided by the fifth generation — Jean-Michel Naud and his son Pierre — the family selects Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes at optimum maturity from some of the appellation's most prestigious crus, distilling in copper pot stills at a historic mill on the Seugne River, a genuinely rare setup even within the Cognac region itself. Ugni Blanc, grown mainly on clay-limestone soils, contributes real finesse thanks to its slow maturation, while Colombard, harvested earlier from poorer soils, brings subtle fruity and floral character to the blend. The finished eau-de-vie ages a minimum of two years in French oak, developing what Cotswold Port Co. describes as "a refined balance between fruit, floral notes and gentle spice, while maintaining the freshness and liveliness expected from a younger Cognac." Kara Newman's blind tasting for Wine Enthusiast awarded 91 Points, describing "delicate stone fruit aromas" leading "into vanilla and oak on the silky, mouthwatering palate, tapering off with plenty of cinnamon and allspice, plus a mentholated hint." Master of Malt's extended review found "walnuts and acacia honey sweetness initially," developing into "rounded floral and fruity notes, with elements of prune and dried apricot, vanilla spice and plenty of oak later on" — one community reviewer noted it grows on you "particularly if you are fond of a more Iberian touch when it comes to the first attack of sweetness in your grape spirits," calling it "solid and balanced... a quality 'company cognac,' and fine enough if the event is a good gathering of friends. No harsh notes, yet personality." Liquor Geeks describes "notes of pear and peach" evolving "into delightful hints of toasted almonds and cinnamon," the palate "fresh and well-balanced." This is genuinely approachable, well-priced Cognac — a real gateway bottle for anyone curious about the category beyond the handful of major names, and equally at home neat, in cocktails, or paired with charcuterie-style chicken and honey-led desserts. Origins & Craftsmanship Naud VS Cognac is produced by the Naud family, whose distillery is based in Pons, in the Charente-Maritime department of France's Cognac region, with roots dating to 1923, when the house was founded by Émile Perrier. Now in its fifth generation, led by Jean-Michel Naud and his son Pierre, the family selects Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes at optimum maturity from prestigious crus within the appellation, distilling in traditional copper pot stills at a historic mill on the Seugne River. VS is the youngest Cognac in the Naud range, matured a minimum of two years in French oak casks, under the direction of the house's Cellar Master. The wines are distilled while still on their fine lees, using small copper pot stills over open fires, a technique the family credits with bringing genuine aromatic richness and roundness to the finished spirit. Bottled at 40% ABV / 80 proof. Critics Reviews Kara Newman, Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points: "Delicate stone fruit aromas lead into vanilla and oak on the silky, mouthwatering palate, tapering off with plenty of cinnamon and allspice, plus a mentholated hint." Master of Malt (extended tasting note): "NAUD VS is the youngest Cognac distilled by the French spirit-makers, a brand that claims to be inspired by the tale of a legendary little still, nestled amongst the willow trees, that existed on the Isle of Pinthiers. Walnuts and acacia honey sweetness initially. It develops rounded floral and fruity notes, with elements of prune and dried apricot, vanilla spice and plenty of oak later on." Master of Malt community: "This one grows on you, particularly if you are fond of a more Iberian touch when it comes to the first attack of sweetness in your grape spirits. Solid and balanced, and fits its glass embossment, Noble and Unusual. A quality 'company cognac,' and fine enough if the event is a good gathering of friends. No harsh notes, yet personality." Liquor Geeks (extended tasting note): "Notes of pear and peach greet the senses, evolving into delightful hints of toasted almonds and cinnamon. The palate is fresh and well-balanced, offering a harmonious interplay of flavors." Famille Naud (official tasting note): "Nose: Elegant with a delicate hint of vanilla, completed by aromas of dried fruit and mild spices (cinnamon, nutmeg). Palate: Supple and fruit, moving onto notes of orange and peach, with a touch of oak on the finish." Tasting Profile Nose Bright golden amber to copper gold. Delicate stone fruit and walnut lead, joined by acacia honey sweetness, vanilla, and mild spice — cinnamon and nutmeg — alongside pear and peach. Palate Silky and mouthwatering, with vanilla and oak carrying the entry, developing rounded floral and fruity notes — prune and dried apricot — alongside toasted almond and orange. Finish Tapering off with cinnamon and allspice, plus a mentholated hint, closing fresh and well-balanced. Quick Overview Category Details Style VS Cognac ABV / Proof 40% ABV / 80 Proof Grapes Ugni Blanc & Colombard Aging Minimum 2 years, French oak Distillation Copper pot stills, historic mill on the Seugne River Producer Naud family — Pons, Charente-Maritime, France Founded 1923, by Émile Perrier Family Generation 5th — Jean-Michel Naud & son Pierre Position in Range Youngest Cognac in the Naud lineup Critics Wine Enthusiast 91 Points (Kara Newman) Style / Identity An approachable, well-balanced entry-level Cognac — genuine freshness and liveliness Aromas & Flavors Stone fruit, walnut, acacia honey, prune, dried apricot, vanilla, oak Bottle Size 750ml Food Pairings Charcuterie-style chicken dishes Honey-led desserts Aged cheeses Dried fruit and nut boards Serving Note Enjoy neat, on ice, or in Cognac-based cocktails.