Review #: 249
Description: Grosperrin 1996 Bas-Armagnac: Aficionados x FineDrams
Spirit: Armagnac
Background: This Armagnac was distilled in 1996 from Grosperrin and aged 24 years before being selected by a panel of members from the Aficionados discord server. Pitted against several other armagnacs that were older and more expensive, this has become a favorite of those who have tried it for its taste and value. Sold by FineDrams, let’s see if it lives up to the hype. Bottled at cask strength without any additives, as of posting it is still available for sale.
Distillery – Grosperrin
Bottler – Grosperrin
Brand – Grosperrin
Selection – Aficionados x FineDrams
ABV – 53.1%
Age – 24 Years
Nose – Fudge, toasted marshmallow, red grape jelly, really nice toasted oak, there’s a little bit of bright and sweet apple that helps balance the richness. There’s almost a meaty, savory note in there as well
Taste – Almost an oaky syrup to it, cocoa powder, maple, cooked apples. Rich and buttery mouthfeel
Finish – Fig syrup, cola, freshly baked sourdough. Settles down into lots of rich barrel spices, toasted marshmallow and oak linger for a good long while.
Score: 8
Would I buy a bottle? Yes
Thoughts: For some reason, thinking about this gives me the idea that it is “young” for an Armagnac yet it is 24 years old. I guess it is the child of the 3 picked by the group, but it displays such an excellent balance and structure of oak that keeps bringing me back for more. It’s so rich and oily which I love in a spirit and the finish lingers long after the liquid has passed your throat. It’s really delightful and an amazing value. A bourbon of this complexity and quality would be sold for 5x as much.