1900 Baraillon K&L Exclusive Vintage Armagnac 750ml

If there were ever a romantic ideal for French countryside distillation, the Baraillons exemplify it. Out in the middle of nowhere, there's nothing glossed over or touristic about their operation - they are farmers, pure and simple. David and I absolutely fell in love with this father/daughter team even though they hardly said a word to us the entire time we tasted (they let their booze speak for itself). At first, the idea of importing an Armagnac made 112 years ago seemed like a joke, a fun idea if it could actually be done. When Mr. Baraillon allowed us to actually taste it our jaws hit the cement floor in the warehouse. If you had to spend some serious cash on an ultra-splurge bottle, this is the one. Incredibly rich, with layers of toffee, fruit compote, port-like viscosity, and waves of earthy accents, the 1900 Baraillon is actually worth the high price simply because it's historic. It's ridiculously rare and represents the hard work of the Baraillon family, decades before the current family members were even born! It was taken out of barrel at some point in the mid-1950s and has been resting in a glass demijohn ever since. We purchased six bottles for six lucky customers. This isn't about luxury or bling-bling brand imagery. This is some serious brandy for those looking to revel in it. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)