1990 Domaine du Cardinat 32 Year Old Bas-Armagnac (750ml)

Many insiders have openly stated that the golden age of brandy is already behind us, but barrels like this one keep me firmly planted in the "golden age continues" camp. There's so much amazing brandy and the price to quality ratio is so outrageous, I contend that even with some slight adjustments in price over the last few years, we still have access to some of the most affordable and delicious aged spirit in modern history. That's mostly thanks to the region of Armagnac, where hundreds of family farms produce brandy more or less as their ancestors had without concern for what is fashionable or commercially viable in the rest of France. It is this inattention to the local markets fancies that allows us to benefit so vastly because while connoisseurship for Armagnac exists in France of course, it so often expresses it's self from a place of outside judgement and critic. We, on the other hand, want it just as the farmers take it. Right out of the barrel with as little blending or adjustment as possible. That's exactly what Cardinat still does in the most endearing and heartfelt fashion. Just exceptional old brandies, made without self-consciousness or doubt. I selected this exceptional single barrel and purchased the entire contents because its simply in my estimation a perfect expression of Armagnac. Here it goes. The color is a twinkling tawny. The nose is immediately entrancing, redolent of stewed greengage, the finest old leather, sandalwood, red currants, melted sugar and butter, orange oil, herbal tea, polished metal and wild honey. On the palate it big and oily at first attack with huge juice red fruit at the front palate coupled with tense clove oil and fresh tarragon. Gorgeous old antique wood and sweet jammy fruit intermingle on the palate to create a seamless mid and build toward a long soft round baking spice finish. The tannin is ultra supple and integrated and despite the relatively high proof the grip is negligible. Time in the glass heightens the experience adding a chiseled focus to the spirit that's extremely inviting. This is the ultimate cross over spirit, so overt and appealing that lovers of any grand old brown spirit will be utterly enthralled. You want dark sherry single malt? Try this. Big time bourbon bro? Try this. Dense oaky extra anejo lover? Try this. Thought old rum was the best deal in town? Try this. You simply won't get this type of experience ANYWHERE else for $100. Try $500 and maybe in bourbon or Scotch maybe you're starting to get close.