We begin with a Bas-Armagnac Cutxan 2006, one thing they tracked down with the assistance of the fellows from L’Encantada. It was aged for 15 years in a moist cellar. Cutxan merely refers to a hamlet in France, however sounds so much like an Inca deity, therefore the drawings on the label.
Subsequent is a 32 yr outdated Domaine Séailles distilled in 1988, from a dry cellar this time. It’s possible you’ll keep in mind Grape of the Artwork already bottled a 2000 classic from this producer a while in the past.
Bas-Armagnac Cutxan 15 yo 2006 (50,5%, Grape of the Artwork & L’Encantada 2022, cask #T37, 251 btl.)
Nostril: strong begin on berries with syrupy hints of apricot and papaya, in addition to honeysuckle and just a little chiffon leather-based. Gentle vanilla, clove and plain oak. A delicate aromatic aspect (meadow flowers), tobacco and sandalwood within the background. Fairly gentle general.
Mouth: the wooden involves the fore now, with loads of minty notes and just a little pepper. Leathery dryness comes alongside. There’s nonetheless a darkish sweetness beneath, a mixture of quinces, cocoa coated nuts and maple syrup. Cloves and natural notes begin to take the upperhand.
End: fairly lengthy, with extra caramel, darkish cherries and bittersweet oak spice.
A reasonably darkish and barely unpolished armagnac, with some floral notes and sweetness to spherical off the sides. A nice dram. Bought out, so far as I can inform.
Armagnac Séailles 32 yo 1988 (50%, Grape of the Artwork 2021, cask #76, 205 btl.)
Nostril: extra heady aromas right here, like rummy esters and a touch of nail polish remover. Overripe pineapples underscore this tropical aspect. Mango, later raisins. Aniseed and leather-based. Properly built-in hints of potpourri. Stunning mix-up of armagnac, cognac and rum, so to talk.
Mouth: much less rummy now. This has a a lot finer rancio impact with brighter berries, some zesty citrus and refreshing menthol. Then it merges with walnuts and hazelnuts, pepper and aniseed. Tannins and hints of grapefruit seem after some time, with some over-infused tea and sourish tobacco.
End: actually lengthy, with cedar wooden, mocha, pepper and cloves.
The combo of estery rum on the nostril and cognac-like woody aromatics on the palate make this a quite distinctive spirit. Rather more refined than the Cutxan for my part. Actually, actually good armagnac. Bought out – remember to watch their web site pro-actively in the event you’re fascinated with new bottlings. Rating: 90/100
