L'Encantada Lous Pibous Hail Yak 1995 #135

This particular Armagnac producer is somewhat of a cult favorite within its category. Just as certain rums and whiskies have their iconic names, this producer holds a similar status for Armagnac. Producers of Armagnac are generally quite small compared to whiskey distilleries. These are not massive operations, but rather small, independent farmer distillers. This producer takes that concept even further by seeking out farmers who produce merely a few barrels annually. Yet, one can still acquire these 20-30-40 year old micro-distilled single farm spirits for approximately $110-150. Imagine a 30-year-old single farm whisky produced in such small quantities – it would likely cost well over $1000. Micro-distillation is only one aspect; cask management is also a factor. The producers that this brand sources from utilize wood from their own land, storing the spirits in garages, basements, and barns. Why is it compared to the 'Brora' and 'Caroni' of the Armagnac world? Well... this producer finds micro-farm distillers, but some of them, like Louis Pibous, are no longer in operation. Thus, the limited supply available is all that exists. This particular bottle is a 24-year-old Louis Pibous, for which I paid a small amount for a sample vial (pricing may vary now, as this was from some years ago). It deviates from your typical Armagnac, which is often grape-forward, viscous, and woody, especially those aged over 20 years. This spirit feels young and lively. It presents notes of honeysuckle, cedarwood, and jasmine. It resembles a Lowland single malt more than an Armagnac. Truly unique and worth exploring.

The Passover week offers an annual chance to explore my large stack of non-whisky samples, and I've been eager to begin investigating Armagnac, which I've heard can offer the unique funky notes I enjoy. I don't detect any here, but I do get something similar to an outstanding aged bourbon, with well-balanced notes of chocolate, raisins, and caramel. The oily mouthfeel is superb, and the oak influence is less pronounced than you'd find in a bourbon of comparable age. This was priced at $125 when bottled for one of the online groups I frequent, making a strong case that now is an excellent time to expand my palate beyond grain spirits. Cheers to a great find.

Sampled this at a buddy's place. It's like the Brora/Port Ellen/Karuizawa/Hanyu of the armagnac world. Fantastic. Smell: Cocoa, Salty Caramel, Currants, Rose petals, Violets, Vanilla bean, Raisins, Zest Taste: Currants, Cocoa, Wood, Capsicum, Small fruits, Tangerine, a hint of Damsons Aftertaste: Cocoa, Dark Cherry, Wood, Raspberries, Tangerine And the terrifying thing is I later had a 30-year-old L'Encantada Le Freche that was superior.