As The Spirit Moves Me

From Santa Pent0x, blind.  Nose: Baking spices. Clove, cinnamon, allspice. Vanilla. A little fruit, like plums. Is it armagnac, maybe? The nose is a little more subtle than I expected given the colour.  Palate: Woody, fruity, delicious. Prunes, nutmeg, vanilla, a little oak.  Finish: Slow and round. Sweet vanilla, raisin, allspice, black currants.  This is super well balanced, fruit and wood really amazingly integrated. Not super complex in flavours, but the depth in the few things it has is there, and very very well done.  I'm guessing Armagnac, 40%, 10 to 15 years old. And tasty, tasty, tasty.  Would I buy this: Depending on price, most definitely. Would I order this in a bar: I would, and I would think it was a classy joint for having it. Would I drink this if someone gave me a glass: Oh yes, very yes. Verdict: Thumbs up. Thanks Santa!

Nose: Bruised apple, overripe grapes, vanilla, old wood, violets Palate: Thin on flavor. Sweet windfall fruit, underripe pear, maple syrup, white cardamom, ethanol. The mouthfeel is amazing, thick and viscous, like gelatin in water. Finish: Tart cherries, bilberries, vanilla, black grape, oak, black tea. Dry on the finish. Short. Verdict: The mouthfeel is amazing. There's enough going on to make this a decent introduction to armagnac. For the price I'm exceedingly happy with it. Would I buy this: I would! Would I order this in a bar: If I wanted armagnac, absolutely. Would I drink this if someone gave me a glass: Most definitely. Rating: ★★★

Armagnac! I love a nice armagnac. I know some people don't love brandies, but I especially have a real interest in armagnac. Nose : Dark fruit, plums, fallen apples and warm sultanas and allspice. Palate : Red berries and caramel. Bright tart cherries. Caramel vanilla poached pears with cinnamon. Finish : Long. Warm wildflower honey. Sweet and sour mingled. Caramel and spices. Earthy. Hints of bay leaves or cedar at the tail end. Verdict : This is simply delicious. Really an outstanding armagnac. Great balance of fruit, earth, and spice with enough odd things in little hints to keep it interesting. Would I buy this: Yes! I'm so sad I didn't get a bottle. Would I order this in a bar: Absolutely. Would I drink this if someone gave me a glass: For sure, and I would look upon them favorably. Rating : ★★★★