Review #484; Brandy #16: Chateau de Laubade 29yr 1989 SMWS A5.1 “Fruit Shop Raid”

This is a 1989 vintage Bas Armagnac, it was aged 29 years in Gascon Black oak before being bottled at cask strength with no color added, and was non-chill filtered. Yielding 600 bottles this is also one of the highest proof Armagnacs I have seen, clocking in at a blistering 61.3% abv. How did the SMWS do in selecting this cask? Let’s find out.

ABV: 61.3%

Nose: Big Heavy Rains, Cinnamon, Orange Peel, Allspice, Apricot Jam, Prunes, Oak Spice, Black Pepper

Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, good oak spice, rich fig jam, apricot, orange peel, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, and crisp apple skin.

Finish: Medium length finish, warm and moist. Rich Figs, Plums, orange Peel, nutmeg, allspice, black pepper, oak spice

Rating: 8/10

This bottling punches you in the face with loads of fruit, oak, and spices, then fades out leaving a tingling spice and fruit laden finish. Chock full of flavor, but well balanced this is a delicious all out assault on your tastebuds. Though my experience with Armaganc is more limited than other spirits, this stuff is truly outstanding.

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect


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