Lustau Solera Reserva

My foray into armagnac proved quite rewarding, and I decided this was worth trying for $20. I'm not sure why, but perhaps I should stop buying random bottles. Or maybe not. It has a rusty amber color. Aromas of concord grape and strawberry jam, along with banana and vanilla, rise from above my head. Near my chin, there's a flinty funk, hints of leather, more sherry, and a touch of salt. The palate has a light viscosity and mild warmth. There are no harsh or unpleasant notes, and no ethanol. The flavors arrive like a changing weather front. Rich vanilla and fig are dominant, followed by a bit of banana, caraway, leather, and tannins. Some of the flint from the nose reappears on the palate, which I might be particularly sensitive to, as I notice that note in many cognac-finished bourbons. Overall, this sits well, despite a few dominant sweet notes. Coming from bourbon, I miss the wood and tobacco notes of a well-aged armagnac, but this doesn't disappoint. It has a very jammy and lasting finish with less raisin than straight sherry but with the expected effects of higher ABV. It's a nice alternative to a fiery pour of bourbon before bed and less complex than a sherry-finished scotch. It's more likely to be a mixer than a sipper, but sipping it is also fine.

This is a young brandy. The initial scent after the first swirl reveals its youth to your nose. It bursts forth with fruitiness — I detected some orange peels, a bit of banana, and vanilla. All of these transitioned nicely onto the palate upon sipping. It has a long, sweet finish. I'd say it's slightly thicker than the younger Solera brandies I've encountered but possesses the same sweetness. I had a bottle served after a Spanish-themed dinner, and it proved to be a good digestif for everyone present.

Incredible value and taste. Excellent nose, with some orange zest and nuttiness that carries to the palate. Vanilla is added to the mix, and it has a wonderful long finish. Simply a delightful dram. Cheers!