Armagnac, one of the world’s oldest and most characterful brandies, imparts deep complexity when used as a finishing cask—infusing bourbon with notes of dried fruit, burnt sugar, clove, and tobacco. To complement these bold, spicy-fruity characteristics, the BCS blending team carefully selected bourbon barrels that would both harmonize with and amplify the Armagnac cask influence. The result is a bourbon that is robust yet elegant, with layers of flavors—from dried plum and dark toffee to warm vanilla—culminating in a long, lingering finish.
Flavor Notes
The aroma deftly navigates the ground shared by both bourbon and armagnac, exhibiting strawberry rhubarb pie and candied walnuts. Chocolate peanut butter cups on the palate signal a sweetness that would be liqueur-like if not kept in check by the high proof. Of course, only a splash of water is needed to push everything into decadence.
Neat
Appearance: Deep amber.
Nose: A quick burst of pineapple belies an otherwise dark and brooding nose. Potting soil, cola, and grape soda recall the finishing cask’s former contents. But a generous helping of caraway, pumpernickel, ginger beer, and menthol make sure you know you’re drinking bourbon. An array of dried fruits and various nuts coalesce into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Palate: Syrupy sweetness and bold spice are kept in check by some sandy tannin and the heat of its cask-strength. That residual sugar makes every flavor feel like a liqueur — pithy orange, hazelnut, black walnut. Tobacco and chocolate covered espresso beans mirror the darkness of the nose and almost obscure a fresh pop of watermelon.
Finish: Clove and oolong tea aren’t out of place in the finish of a bourbon or an Armagnac. What’s notable though is how the sticky sweetness of dried plum and pecan pie clings to the palate alongside the lingering richness of custard.
With a splash of spring water
The nose grows tightly focused on the sweeter elements. The palate also takes its sugar and spice theme up a notch.
ABV: 56.5%
Score: 93, Whiskey Advocate
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