Hidden Gem
Like a magic mushroom in an enchanted forest, a Hidden Gem Armagnac will occasionally spring up out of nowhere and take you on a wild ride. This thrilling 90-point L’Encantada is still available at a single U.S. spirit shop, and at a killer price.
TASTING NOTES #16
1992 L’Encantada Domaine Del Cassou
Cask #194
Aged in an Oak Cask for 26 Years
45.1% ABV
Color: Amber with thin shards of yellow.
Nose: Luscious caramel, graham cracker, ripe yellow plum, French almond nougat, mild green apple.
Palate: Dried apricot, Moyer plum and fig jam turning to prune, wood and rum spices.
Finish: Herbal undergrowth, apple cider, soft ripe pear, graphite.
Summary: One of those exhilarating Armagnacs you can sit with as it unfolds and reveals new dimensions. Beautiful balance of sweet treble notes and earthy bass notes throughout the tasting, and most unusually in the finish, where fall fruits counterbalance bitter pencil lead.
Equal or lesser L’Encantada releases have sold in the $200-$250 range, making the Del Cassou’s $135 price tag a steal.
When to drink: When you have the time and space to let it unfurl.
Score: 90
As of 9/2/21 about 18 bottles are available at Maison Corbeaux ($135, ships to AK, CA, DC, ID, LA, MI, MO, NE, NV, NM, OR, WY. Options may be available to ship to additional states, inquire within)
AOML Rating scale:
<75 Not recommended
75-79 Average, contains some flaws
80-84 Good, well-made Armagnac
85-89 Very good, an Armagnac with special qualities
90-94 Outstanding, an Armagnac of exceptional character and style
95-100 Classic, an Armagnac for the ages