The House of Castarede in Armagnac

When word gets out about a great spirit hiding in plain sight somewhere the market, it's usually not long before it disappears. Evidence Black Maple Hill 11 and 16 year old, Gabriel and Andreu XO, the debut of Whistlepig etc., etc,... once discovered, these all vanished into the hands of happy sippers.

I'm happy to report just such a spirit has quietly appeared into Bacchus' warehouse. It is the Castarede Reserve de Famille 20 year Armagnac. It is one of the most perfect spirits you will ever have regardless of price. But speaking of price the fact that this wholesales for $65.00 earns it "Must-Have" status.

The House of Castarède, founded in 1832, is the oldest of all Armagnac trading houses. After distillation the spirit is placed into black oak barrels and aged in their famed cellars on the river Baise which just happens to be a perfect environment for aging Armagnac. The Castarede House is now being run by Florence Castarede a sixth generation decendent of the founding family.

Variety: Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche from Bas Armagnac Region
Fermentation Method: Distilled in a continuous still
Production: 40,000 bottles
First Year Of Production: 1980
Tasting Notes: Rich nose of caramel, nutmeg, allspice and dried plum with notes of leather and wood tones. Deep, rich and complex on the palate with classic dark spice of Armagnac, plum, caramel buttercream and woodsy spice flavors. Incredibly smooth with a long aromatic finish.

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