Why did I buy Tesco Napoleon Brandy?
A number of reasons.
To begin with it was there, on the shelf, in my local store, and in a 350ml bottle too, making it both accessible & affordable – increasingly important factors in the current economic climate.
Further, my St Remy VSOP Brandy, initially purchased for an WSET course back in 2019, was nearing it’s end. I found the brandy world shared – like whiskey – a set of rules & regulations governing it’s production – as well as a long history – plus barrel ageing too & I enjoyed the drinking experience, encouraging me to explore more.
Tesco Napoleon appeared a shade darker than my St Remy, suggestive of extra caramel, a permissible added ingredient for the category – just like whiskey.
Quite a shy nose – not very aromatic for me – soft sweet winey elements are all I got.
Smooth, soft mouthfeel, easy on the palate.
Dark notes of burnt caramel & a tingling warmth surfaced on the finish giving Tesco Napoleon a bit of a lift.
Lacked any hints of oakiness I enjoyed with St Remy.
After sampling Tesco Napoleon I read the label – Mellow And Smooth Taste – it says.
A very accurate appraisal of what I found.
Sláinte
Read my study method for the WSET exam here.
For an interesting read on ingredients in brandy see cognacreverie.com blog here.
WSET website here.
St Remy VSOP review here.
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 