As usual, Delord has been releasing some great vintage Armagnacs. Today we're taking a look at the 1975 vintage that was aged 46 years in Gascon oak. It is bottled at 40% abv and retails around $130-$140 here in Texas. While all the Delord Armagnacs are very tasty as soon as you open them, watch the video to find out what make them even better!

For those unfamiliar, Armagnac is a brandy (grape distillate) from the Armagnac region of France. Like Cognac, it has a designated AOC (region) that the grapes must be grown in to carry the "Armagnac" name. Unlike Cognac, Armagnac can be made from a few authorized varieties of grapes (Cognac uses Ugni Blanc). Those usually include, Ugni Blanc - which still usually makes up the majority of the blends, Baco – which adds fruity aromatics, Colombard - adds fruit and spices, and a hint of Folle Blanche grapes – which add nice floral notes. Another big difference between Armagnac and Cognac - besides them being 180 miles away from each other - is the terroir (the soil that the grapes grow in). Armagnac's soils tend to be sandier and more clayish with a bit of limestone, while the Cognac regions contain a lot of chalky limestone in different densities (the Bon Bois region of Cognac does have some sandy soil in that mix). And perhaps the biggest difference is the stills they’re ran through. Armagnacs run through a continuous still once before being barreled for aging. Cognacs are distilled twice through a Charente still (which has a distinctive onion shaped wine pre-heater). That double distillation tends to concentrate the aromatics, but also creates a lighter, more elegant eau-de-vie (unaged brandy). All that said, the rustic character of Armagnac really matures well and can usually be best described as being "bold and flavorful.”

If you enjoy this honest and unbiased content, and would like to help keep it going, please join us at www.patreon.com/liquorhound. It's the help of my patrons that have allowed me keep my independence and lets me to continue purchasing/reviewing bottles without relying on donations or corporate sponsorships. On Patreon, you’ll get a 2-week head start on hunting all the bottles I review – before they launch on YouTube, lots of “Patron Only” bonus content/reviews, every video add-free – including the large private review library (which has never been on YouTube), have the ability to message me directly with questions, and can be eligible for my giveaways.

As of December 2022, my current bottle count is over 2,600. I am a Certified Specialist of Spirits and have also been accredited by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). I've been actively collecting for more than two decades and what started as a small basic home bar has transformed (with the help and understanding of my wonderful wife) into this collection and career. Speaking of my career, my “Saints Alley" Bourbons & Rye whiskeys are on Total Wine shelves and customers are really enjoying them (be sure to ask for a sample when you're in the stores)! Currently, our two new Special Editions are also available for a limited time! One is our "Nobleman" Rye Whiskey aged in Tokaji (pronounced Tok-eye) casks. The other is a twist on our "Herald" Bourbon. Instead of just finishing it in Armagnac casks, we've also used some bourbons rested in Pineau des Charentes casks. Trust me, both are delicious, and given my knowledge and high standards, you know I’m working hard with my team to continue releasing whiskeys that we're proud of! Thanks for watching and please remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!

свернуть