In my experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and compare various cognacs, including Remy Martin 1738 and VSOP. While both expressions are of high quality, they do have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
The Remy Martin VSOP is known for its bright and vibrant fruitiness. It typically has a younger blend of eaux-de-vie, ranging from four to ten years old. This youthful blend results in a lively and refreshing flavor profile, with notes of citrus, apple, and pear. The fruitiness is often accompanied by floral and vanilla undertones, adding complexity to the overall taste.
On the other hand, the Remy Martin 1738 is a more mature expression, with a blend of eaux-de-vie ranging from four to 20 years old. This longer aging period contributes to a deeper and more concentrated fruitiness. Instead of the bright and vibrant notes found in the VSOP, the 1738 showcases a darker and more subdued fruit profile. I have personally detected flavors of dried plum, fig, and raisin, which lend a rich and decadent quality to the cognac.
One could argue that the Remy Martin 1738 offers a more complex and nuanced drinking experience compared to the VSOP. The extended aging process allows for the development of additional layers of flavor, making it a great choice for those who appreciate depth and sophistication in their cognac. However, taste preferences can vary greatly among individuals, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
To further aid in your understanding, I would like to provide a list of the key characteristics of each cognac:
Remy Martin VSOP:
– Bright and vibrant fruitiness
– Younger blend of eaux-de-vie (four to ten years old)
– Notes of citrus, apple, and pear
– Floral and vanilla undertones
– Lively and refreshing flavor profile
Remy Martin 1738:
– Darker and more subdued fruitiness
– Mature blend of eaux-de-vie (four to 20 years old)
– Flavors of dried plum, fig, and raisin
– Rich and decadent quality
– Complex and nuanced drinking experience
Both Remy Martin VSOP and 1738 offer exceptional cognacs with their own unique characteristics. Whether one is better than the other ultimately depends on personal taste preferences. I recommend trying both and exploring the differences firsthand to determine which suits your palate best.