And the result?
It’s always interesting to taste the difference between kindred spirits in the same basic cocktail, but this was stunning. Where the H by Hine Fine Champagne VSOP gave a sturdy structure and revealed a spicy tang to the fruit, the Park Borderies was softer, more lush and luscious in texture. It’s difficult to distinguish between the terroir of Borderies with its clay soils and the benefits of 15 years of maturation---because both are very much present in this cognac---but the combination, sweet red cherry with a light dusting of baking spices, is both aromatically and texturally superb.
The differences between the two cognacs were apparent: where the Hine was caramel, the Borderies was buttercream; where the Hine was forceful, the Borderies was elegant, understated but amazingly persistent; where the Hine had robust power, the Borderies had sophistication and complexity and a beguiling harmony with the cocktail.
It’s natural to ask “Which one was better?” But that is the wrong question, and so impossible to answer. Within the template of the old fashioned, the Hine and the Park offer two entirely different expressions. Both are impressive, but each in its own way. And that’s just as it should be.
For the full article, if interested http://www.examiner.com/article/captivating-cocktails-park-borderies-15yo-cognac-old-fashioned-at-kask