Delord Bas-Armagnac X.O. 25

At $50, I’m a fan of Delord’s 15-year Armagnac (and purchase it semi-regularly). When I stumbled upon the 25-year for $20 more, I had to bite. I can only assume the additional maturity will translate to additional complexity. If not, I’ve paid more for far younger spirits.

Pour: Delord Bas-Armagnac X.O. 25
Proof: 80
Age: 25 years
Color: deep rosy copper
Nose: medicinal grape, molasses, dark chocolate cherry
Taste: boozy grape jam, dense sweet oak, hints of leather
Finish: moderate length w/ fruity toasted caramel, tobacco, earthy spice

Overall: Delicious. For 25 years, it’s not quite as robust as I’d imagined, but no complaints. It’s definitely a notch above the 15-year Delord, particularly the finish. The slowly diminishing earthy spice is subtly elegant and worth the price of admission.

Rating: X-O-lent.

Grosperrin 1996 Bas-Armagnac (Aficionados)

I’ve heard great things about the Aficionados’ 1996 Grosperrin Bas-Armagnac for months now. Thanks to a generous sample from a friend – curiously timed perfectly for my brandy series – I can finally see what the fuss is about. (I have a feeling I’ll be spending some money soon.)

Pour: Grosperrin Bas-Armagnac 1996 (Aficionados)
Poof: 106.2
Age: 24 years
Color: dense rosy copper
Nose: blueberry pancakes, maple syrup, grape jam
Taste: ripe plum, fruity molasses, caramel/candy apple
Finish: long w/ robust sweet oak, textured spice, leather

Overall: Ridiculously delicious. There’s more character in this 24-year brandy than most whiskeys double its $88 retail price (yes, that includes “the good stuff”). Complexity, depth, layered fruit and spice with an outstanding finish … Well done, Aficionados.

Rating: 1996/100

Delord Bas-Armagnac X.O. 15

I thought I’d dedicate the next few posts to brandy. It should be noted that I’m not an expert and my experience with the category in general is limited. Take it (or leave it) as a whiskey fan’s perspective.

I probably passed this bottle by a dozen times, but a few days ago curiosity caught the best of me. Besides, $50 for any spirit aged 15 years doesn’t strike me as unreasonable (even if only 80 proof). Will Delord’s Bas-Armagnac X.O. taste as fancy as its label? Nous verrons.

Pour: Delord Bas-Armagnac X.O. 15
Proof: 80
Age: 15 years
Color: rosy amber
Nose: chocolate raisins, plum, sliced almonds
Taste: gentle grape, berry preserves, jelly pastry
Finish: moderate length w/ medicinal grape, oak, leather

Overall: For a moderately priced French brandy, Delord X.O. does a fine job. I wouldn’t call it robust or complex, but there’s certainly enough character to enjoy neat. Better Armagnacs can be found, though you’ll likely pay more to acquire them.

Rating: Satisfactory.