1998 Domaine de Baraillon 25 Year Old "Folle Blanche" K&L Exclusive Bas-Armagnac

We've expanded our selection from one of our favorite Armagnac producers: Domaine de Baraillon. After the success of last year's 1985 vintage brandy, we wanted to introduce you to their younger Folle Blanche selections. This 25 year old Armagnac is distilled from 100% Folle Blanche and exhibits that same unctuous, rich, caramel-laden profile but with more spice and a dusty finish. It's a big time crowd-pleaser of an Armagnac, the kind of thing that will taste good to your great uncle Larry, but still scratch that spirits geek itch in the back of your throat. One heckuva deal as well since we brought it in directly. Tasting notes from the wonderful Serge Valentine of Whiskyfun.com, " Colour: deep red amber. Nose: this should not be allowed. Some incredible blue mountain coffee, high-end marmalade (even Fortnum’s patrons couldn’t afford it), charcoal, and flowers. Ylang-ylang, orange blossom, honeysuckle… Mouth: bow and pray. Good, I’m joking, there are a few unpolished sides to this one, too much dryness, too much coffee (ground beans), too much liquorice, too much sticky pine sap, and too much chocolaty pipe tobacco. All the rest is perfect. Finish: long, dry, on coffee and chocolate. Very heavy chocolate. Comments: truly an artisanal spirit, totally un-designed, just raw, just natural. And just extremely good – and challenging at times." 90 points