Tariquet Bas-Armagnac 15 Year Folle Blanche Cask Strength

It certainly has a strong impact. The aroma is robust yet gentle and welcoming. You can detect grapes and berries, alongside a lovely dark baking spice aroma and perhaps some dried fruit, like plums. It's reminiscent of blackberry jam on cinnamon raisin toast. The flavor starts with fruit, but while the scent is soft and comforting, the taste is sharp, biting, arresting --- and excellent. It has a prominent grape juice character, but also something tangier, almost like orange, and a strong woody note as well. The finish amplifies the tanginess and leaves your tongue buzzing with fruity flavors, similar to sour candy. There's a distinct sense of 'freshness' about this that's hard to articulate. This is my initial experience with armagnac, so perhaps my understanding will grow over time. However, it possesses a farm-to-table quality, as if it has captured and preserved the essence of a farm with orchards and berry bushes. It's truly wonderful. A small part of me wishes the flavor retained the comforting warmth of the aroma, but that's a minor critique. It's truly wonderful. Unfortunately, at $58, it's beyond my typical budget. I indulged myself with this bottle but likely won't repeat the purchase for a while. If it were priced at $40, I would buy it repeatedly. Recommended for those who can afford it.

I was eagerly anticipating this folle blanche armagnac. The aroma is already dry, featuring ripe grape and floral notes with a whisper of citrus. The texture is notably oily. The taste is very dry and tannic, almost astringent, yet fruity with a hint of mustiness. There's no significant wood flavor. Ultimately, I was somewhat let down, as this isn't superior to some VS or VSOP options available.