Hennessy Master Blender's Selection No. 3 Cognac

Like the first Master Blender's selection, this is a Cognac that will appeal to whiskey-lovers. The mild aroma offers hints of vanilla and prune. The palate surprises with a smoky note, though it's soon engulfed by huge waves of vanilla, hazelnut and fudge. The long, luscious finish is tinged with orange peel and baking spice. Single batch. Though it's not labeled with an age category, the producer says this bottling is made with eaux-de-vie that are at least seven years old, which usually would set it in the XO category. Kara Newman