Château de Laubade XO Bas-Armagnac

Golden amber liquid with incredibly slow-moving legs that are a sight to behold. Oh, the aroma - earthy tobacco, a hint of leather, floral notes, chocolate, vanilla frosting, orange zest, a whisper of cherry and oak. This is opulent. I sought out this bottle to experience armagnac for the first time. Honestly, it appeared to be the best selection at my local store, so here we are. Compared to solera-aged Spanish brandy and well-matured cognac, this is a clear step up in aromatic complexity. I can detect sweet floral, fruit, and pastry notes from my snifter even from a distance while relaxing in my chair. If this is the taste of France, then I'm ready to go. Yet, a hint of caramelized sugar and banana wafts over, bringing to mind rum and the sweltering heat of Trinidad (a very different story, but fond memories). So, what about the taste? Thick texture with an initial burst of leather and spice that slowly melts into dried fruits (figs, raisins) and orange zest upon the first sip. The spice is reminiscent of tasting a cigar wrapper before lighting it - a distinct tingle and zing. A noticeable warmth spreads in the chest, though it's milder than bourbon. More vanilla and tobacco emerge on the second taste, accompanied by mildly drying wood tannins and an abundance of dried fruit. The Demerara sugar and bananas from the aroma subtly appear in the finish. This is just as indulgent as the scent. That's it - I'm convinced. Armagnac and I will be friends. If this can be surpassed, I eagerly anticipate discovering it, but for now, this will suffice. With so few pours available locally (actually none that I'm aware of), this becomes an online hunt, a click-and-wait endeavor. So far, I've found a shop in France that ships internationally and has a bottling from my birth year, which I might have to acquire. Please send any good armagnac recommendations my way!

This XO arrives subtly. The aroma is understated, almost reserved. There are hints of dried fruit and oak, but nothing stands out prominently. You need to pay close attention to detect it. Upon tasting, however, it becomes more lively. The initial sensation is of warm, pure apple, similar to baked apple without the sweetness. This forms the foundation. Oak follows, stable and aged, with just enough spice to add interest without becoming harsh. A hint of molasses and chocolate caramel adds body in the mid-palate. The lingering finish is surprisingly long. Apple and oak remain consistent, with a gentle sweetness that slowly fades. This is a discreet, self-assured Armagnac. Not showy or loud, but well-crafted and genuine. The apple provides a bright character, the oak offers stability, and the entire experience is suited for the discerning drinker.

Coming from the whisky world, this offers an enjoyable range of flavors, including a bit of smoke, dark and citrus fruit notes, and pleasant oak. Thus far, its flavors seem more intense than the XO cognacs I've experienced.

Smells of grape, cherry popsicle, oak, caramel, charcoal, green apple, vanilla. Tastes of vanilla, oak, grape, toasted caramel, cherry. A bit fiery and slightly sweet on the finish. Overall decent, but somewhat lacking in body.

Pleasant, but the sharp nose is a bit too aggressive. This is my only criticism of a spirit you should definitely experience. It's quite enjoyable.

Solid stuff with notes of bananas, caramel, butterscotch, raisins, apricots, and barrel spices.