L'Encantada Domaine Le Frêche 1988 #17 (K and L)

Nose - grape must, black cherry, chocolate malt, cinnamon, nutmeg, toffee, vanilla, orange, sweet oak, spearmint, powdered sugar, date, fig, toasted marshmallow, raisin toast, walnut, moderate ethanol burn. Taste - tart grape, orange zest, lemon, chili pepper, ginger, salted caramel, dark chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, graham cracker, nutmeg, apple skin, tannic oak, plum, apricot, bitter walnut, fig, moderate alcohol bite, finishing long with musty grape, dark chocolate, deep citrus, and spicy, tannic oak flavors. This is the last expression from a particular producer that I have, and I believe it's the finest of the group. The character is much darker compared to every other similar spirit I've sampled. The color is similarly very dark, and at 30 years old it's a far deeper shade of brown than the 31-year-old from another producer I reviewed previously. The aroma is wonderful. Dark fruits, malty chocolate, rich citrus, and strong oak are abundant. The scents are particularly whiskey-like in an excellent way. The palate exhibits the characteristic tartness of this type of spirit, but it is delightfully balanced by dark chocolates, salted caramel, and robust, tannic oak. This is an outstanding example of this spirit. A purist might consider it too dark and possibly over-oaked, but from a whiskey enthusiast's perspective, I am thoroughly enjoying the profile. Although I admit, I have a weakness for oaky, rich, robust spirits, and this fits that description perfectly. I didn't anticipate an Armagnac would earn a spot in my highest accolades, but I am awarding this a rare 4.5 without any hesitation.

I am very pleased with the efforts of this company. L’Encantada is a small bottler that sources Armagnac from very small producers — we’re talking farmers who make it in their barns. It’s an extremely specialized area, and that means acquiring excellent products that lack the advantages of a distribution channel. This particular one is from the le Freche region, likely from several micro-producers. It’s around 30 years old and is now discontinued. It tastes like grape jelly combined with chocolate. You have to enjoy grape jelly; if not, you won't like this. It has a wonderfully thick, mouth-coating texture with a significant amount of chocolate and grape flavors. Another impressive bottling, and if I remember correctly, it cost about $100 when released (who knows now, since it's from a discontinued source). That makes it fantastic value for money. Try finding a 30-year-old discontinued whiskey for that price. (You'll find them for close to $1000). Very grateful to a friend for sharing a taste!

Sampled this at a friend's place tonight. The finest example of this spirit I have ever encountered. Nose: White, Dark, and Milk Chocolate, Raisins, Prunes, Vanilla, Christmas Cake, Violets, Sultanas, Cookie Dough Palate: Vanilla, Violets, Chocolate, Apricot, Cherry, Light Oak Finish: Chocolate, Cherry, Plum, Oak, Vanilla

Nose: dark plums, chocolate fudge, creamy tapioca, sweet caramel, and bubble gum. Palate: holds the glass well, tastes of raisins, white pepper, pine needles, concord grape, and rich cream with cocoa undertones. Finish: lingers a good while, woody but not astringent, notes of tootsie rolls, dark blackberries, spicy rye, and anise.

The aroma features raisins and earthy grapes. The flavor profile is rich and intricate. There's light oak and possibly a trace of smoke? The 45.1% alcohol content provides a pleasant kick. It's definitely the most complex and sophisticated Armagnac I've tried.

One of a few armagnacs I have tried. Very light and smooth mouthfeel. Slightly sweet with no overpowering flavors.