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Castarede isn’t a family identify within the U.S., however it really lays declare to being the oldest Armagnac in existence, courting again to 1832. The home makes the total vary of ordinary expressions, from blanche to XO, in addition to numerous reserve bottlings and single classic expressions of its spirits — the oldest courting again to 1893.
We didn’t handle to trace down something fairly that aged, however we did obtain a consultant choice of Castarede Armagnacs, together with the whole lot of the core line and a few particular bottlings. Let’s dig in.
Armagnac Castarede Blanche – An unaged expression of Armagnac, France’s reply to white whiskey. This eaux de vie is unremarkable, showcasing a doughy aroma that shortly retreats to ethanol and petrol notes. Some modest fruit notes are barely evident on the tongue, which evokes recent linens earlier than ending on a clear lemon notice, hinting at walnut oil and candy nougat. Blanche brandy is hardly anybody’s go-to, however a modicum of attraction awaits the affected person drinker right here. 80 proof. B- / $40
Armagnac Castarede VS – At the very least 3 years previous, the essence of the blanche expression is clear right here because the calmly aged brandy continues to be redolent with youth. Floral and petrol notes are current in equal proportions, making for a considerably brash and harsh assault on the tongue. Fruit makes an attempt to muscle its manner via after a time, with hints of golden raisin popping on the end amidst notes of lavender and dried flowers. 80 proof. B- / $45
Armagnac Castarede VSOP – After 8 years in oak, Castarede is beginning to hit its stride. Spice, incense, and cocoa powder notes are evident on the nostril, although there’s nonetheless loads of funky petrol and linen character to mood issues, together with florals and spice notes. The palate is sort of floral but in addition doughy with nougat notes, fading to a delicate stone fruit character. The end stays a bit astringent and tight, although it’s undoubtedly extra approachable than the country VS. 80 proof. B / $53 [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
Armagnac Castarede XO – 10 years previous (although notice {that a} European-sold XO/Hors d’Age bottling is 20 years previous). Nonetheless fairly gentle on its ft, with some ethanol on the nostril however loads of floral and incense character, plus a touch of camphor. Rising sweetness slowly builds on the palate, letting a light-weight sheen of crushed raisins and cocoa powder emerge on the end. On the entire it’s not dramatically completely different from the VSOP, however it does add a contact of refinement to the proceedings. 80 proof. B+ / $78 [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
Armagnac Castarede Reserve de la Famille – This features a mix of 20, 25, and 30 12 months previous brandies and is bottled at a better proof. No scarcity of taste right here, this can be a punchy operator with a toasty, sweet-and-savory nostril that evokes each the barrel and a few fruity notes of plums, filtered via incense. Extra of the identical on the effusive however approachable palate, which folds in notes of milk chocolate, vanilla, and a touch of honey, all lingering on the prolonged and interesting end. 94 proof. A- / $100 [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
Armagnac Castarede 1991 Classic – I’ve valuable little data on this classic Armagnac, together with its age earlier than bottling. Regardless of the story behind it, it cuts fairly a unique profile from the remainder of the Castarede line, providing a way more targeted floral ingredient on the nostril — massive with lavender and honeysuckle — plus a robust fruit character on the palate. Right here a complete fruit salad of components come into focus, together with peaches, pineapple, apricots, and vanilla custard. Extra of that partaking chocolate and vanilla character emerge in time for the end, although they take a supporting function behind the effusive fruit notes that dominate the expertise. Plenty of enjoyable, and sudden for Armagnac. 80 proof. A / $87 (500ml)
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Armagnac Castarede XO
$78
