Bas Armagnac Delord

Collection of eight bottles of Delord Bas Armagnac brandy, each with distinct labels and packaging, displayed in a row with some in wooden boxes.

Four Generations Crafting Bas Armagnac

Black and white photo of three men in formal attire, one with a mustache, all with serious expressions.

Born in 1875, Prosper Delord started the company as an itinerant distiller. He gained a reputation for his dedication and expertise by carting his traveling pot still around to the farms in the Bas Armagnac region. When his son Gaston took over in 1925 he officially founded the company name and established the business as a permanent site in Lannepax.

Today, great grandsons Jérôme and Sylvain carry on the same tradition, having established a reputation for quality that is unsurpassed. They have been distilling, ageing and blending their eaux-de-vie the exact same way their great-grandfather did. Their ageing cellars contain Armagnacs dating back to 1904.

The Armagnacs are sold under two names, Delord or Marie Duffau, each named taken from a great-grandmother of the family.

When touring the distillery and aging cellars, it feels as if time has stopped and you almost expect to see grandfather Prosper, coming around the corner pulling his itinerant pot still with the help of his two cows.

Three men standing in a distillery with copper brewing equipment in the background, each holding a glass of Armagnac.

Bas Armagnac Production Process

Map of France showing locations of Paris, Bordeaux, and Toulouse, with a Delord Armagnac logo south of Bordeaux and northwest of Toulouse.

Vineyards

Owners of a prime 66 hectares (163 acres) of vineyards Lannepax in the heart of the Bas Armagnac, (widely known as the 1st Cru), of which 6 hectares (about 14 acres) are organic. All year round, Rinaldo, the vineyard manager, takes the greatest of care of the vines throughout their development. They use no pesticides or fertilizers.

Vineyard with green grapevines under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Grapes

  • Use of high quality fruit, harvested from the best sandy soils of the Bas Armagnac.

  • A good use of the grape varietals: 

    • 57% Ugni blanc (gives a good foundation)

    • 16% Colombard (herbal aromas)

    • 15% Folle Blanche (floral notes)

    • 12% Baco (gives roundness

Winemaking

Sylvain looks for an aromatic wine that is slightly acidic and low in alcohol which is the ideal wine for the distillation employing exact temperature control, must settling and racking techniques.

Copper distillation equipment in Delord's distillery with barrels and brick walls.

Single Distillation

The distillation, an essential and fascinating step in the creation of Armagnac takes place in the heart of winter.

  • A particularly slow single distillation process.

  • A distillation at low temperature (around 52 to 58 degrees), which enables more flavors, fatty acids and character to remain in the spirit.

  • One of the only Armagnac houses to use the two methods of distillation; the continuous distillation method that is typical for Armagnac and the double distillation, primarily used for the Blanche Armagnac

  • Two Armagnac alambics, one of which is a “Sier” dating from 1900, are both column stills equipped with particular plates called “spider plates,” which are ideal for the production of old Armagnacs.

Two men standing on either side of stacked wooden Armagnac barrels inside a rustic cellar with stone walls at Armagnac Delord.

Aging

  • Use of 10% Gascon oak to give good tannins, darker color and beautiful spices.

  • More aging than required by law. 

  • Delord’s cellars contain more than 1000 barrels and a dozen oak tanks that age and protect the Armagnac eaux-de-vie which date from the 20th century to the present day.

  • The oldest vintages are kept in Bonbonnes (glass jars) away from the light, in a room called the Paradise.

Blanche Armagnac

A bottle of Delord  Blanche Armagnac, a cut-glass mixing glass with ice and a silver cocktail spoon, a metal jigger, and a small wooden block are arranged on a wooden surface with a barrel in the background.

Blanche is a new A.O.C. (Appellation d'Origine Controlée) approved in 2005. It represents a renaissance of traditional Armagnac eau-de-vie rekindled by the producers. Coming from the same Armagnac terroir, it is the result of  a thousand year old savoir-faire of distillation.

The new AOC defines the production conditions of the Blanche:

  • It can only be produced in the Armagnac zone from parcels of vines already identified.

  • It can be produced with the four main grape varietals from Armagnac; Ugni Blanc, Baco, Folle Blanche or Colombard. (Delord's Blanche Armagnac is produced wholly from Colombard grapes and is the only such one currently available on the market). 

  • It must be kept in inert containers as soon as the distillation is finished and can only then be considered for assessment after three months of maturation.

Highlights

Delord's Blanche Armagnac is produced wholly from Colombard grapes and is the only such one currently available on the market. 

Tasting Notes

Delord’s Blanche is rich and fruity, strong and round, and therefore can be consumed in a variety of ways:  

  • Pure, at room temperature, chilled or with an ice cube, just so you can appreciate the true beautiful flavors and roundness

  • With caviar, smoked fish and numerous desserts such as lemon tart, key lime pie, tart tatin and lemon sabayon.

  • In a variety of cocktails: it marries well with citrus flavors, red berries, kiwi, and chocolate. Use Delord Blanche as a replacement for vodka in any cocktail to add a depth of flavor. 

Reviews

90 points, Excellent, Highly Recommended 
”Bright and fresh on the nose, with allusions to quince, pearl skin, nectarine, white flower, and grapefruit marmalade. Soft and almost juicy on the palate, with tropical melon and pear opening up over a deep mineral base and touches of almond skin.” Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2022

Gold medal
Concours General Agricole, Paris, 2022, 2018, and 2017

Gold medal
Talents d'Armagnac, 2016

"5 stars / Highest Recommendation"
Spirit Journal, Paul Pacult, Sept 2010

"93 points / Excellent / Highly Recommended"
Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2011

Bas Armagnac Napoléon

A bottle of Bas Armagnac Delord Napoleon aged in oak barrels, with a white label and black text, featuring a black foil seal with a gold emblem on the neck.

Woody nose with hints of “rancio” to come. Discreet aromas of vanilla and fruit are satisfying and smooth. Min. 10 years old

Reviews

Gold Medal (Bartender Spirits Awards, 2021)

"91 points, Excellent" (Ultimate Spirits Challenge) 

Gold medal: 94 points. "Outstanding, Best Buy (Beverage Testing Institute, Chicago) 

"Superb, Highly recommended, best buy" (Wine Enthusiast)

Bas Armagnac XO

A bottle of Bas-Armagnac Delord XO, a French brandy, with a red and gold wax seal near the neck and a handwritten-style label indicating it is aged at least 15 years in oak barrels, with 40% alcohol content.

This exceptional XO displays a masterful balance of ripe fruit, wood and buttery orange pound cake. Smooth and deep with a wealth of rancio.  

Min. 15 years old.

Reviews

96 points. "Look for rich flavors and dark spices: toffee, burnt caramel, dark-roast coffee, deeply toasted gingerbread embellished with clove and black pepper. The notably long sweet-and spiced finish will not quit." (Wine Enthusiast, 2021)

4 stars. Highly Recommended. "Sandy brown / topaz color; immaculately clean. I like this opening aroma as I encounter floral / garden-like scents of jasmine, honeysuckle, and green vegetation, along with latent orchard fruit aromas; after more aeration, the bouquet turns a bit like textile fibers, linen, and cotton fiber before turning mildly nut-like. Entry is engagingly sweet, caramel-like, brown sugar-like, and chewy in texture; at midpalate, more fruit aspects emerge in the forms of black raisins, prunes, and dates. Concludes appealingly long in the throat, moderately lush in texture, medium oily, and peppery. The progressive nature of the innate quality of the Bas-Armagnac is obvious, in particular, from entry to the alluring finish." (Paul Pacult, The New Kindred Spirits 2021)) 

96 points. "Light copper in color, but rich and unctuous in the mouth, with a long velvety finish. Delord XO is a dense and complex 15-year-old with scents of wildflowers and spring herbs, flavors of orange zest, fig, nougat, and a gorgeous, lengthy crème brûlée finish. Excellent value that could convince a committed Bourbon drinker to embrace French brandy." (Vinous, Jul 2018)

Gold medal. (Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, 2015)

97 points. (Wine Enthusiast, 2012)

92 points. "Excellent.” (Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2010)

4 1/2 stars. (Doug Frost & Tim Fish, New York Times)

Gold medal (Concours Agricole de Paris, 2010)

Bas Armagnac 25 Years Old

A bottle of Bas-Armagnac Delord 24 Age d'Ans, an aged French brandy, with a black cap, a black and gold wax seal, and a white label describing the product as 25 years old, made in France, containing 40% alcohol in a 700 ml bottle.

Highlights

This superb blend displays flavors or cocoa, spices, vanilla, raisins, walnut and cinnamon. Its finish is long, silky and biscuity. 25 years old. 

Reviews

97 points. 
"Vanilla bean and allspice aromas entice on the nose. The bold, complex palate opens with oak and caramel brushed with toffee and espresso, finishing with a grip of tannins and plum skin dryness. Walnut and clove frame the exit." (Wine Enthusiast, 2021)

5 stars, Highest Recommendation.
"Mahogany color; superb clarity. I get buttery notes upfront that give way to bigger fragrances of citrus peel, meringue, egg white, and black tea; secondary inhalations after more aeration discover subtle notes of lime / citrus, black tea, and white raisins. Entry is sensationally clean, zesty, and defined by the notable presence of citrus rind, white raisins, kiwi, nutmeg, clove, and oak nuances; midpalate continues the subtlety found in the entry stage as the quiet merging of the fruit, acid, baking spice, and fatty oak elements creates a sophisticated and integrated core flavor that's about as sublime as mature Bas-Armagnac can get. The finish is a savory masterpiece of grape brandy balance, subtle strength, and integration. . This bas-armagnac could have no other score but five stars.” (Paul Pacult. The New Kindred Spirits 2021)

Chairman's Trophy, 97 points. "Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation" (Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2020)

“This Bas-Armagnac could have no other score but Five Stars.” (Paul Pacult, Spirit Journal, Dec. 2018)

Gold medal (Concours General Agricole, Paris, 2018 & 2016) 

Gold medal (Talents d'Armagnac, 2017-2018)  

97 points "Delord’s 25-year-old is surely deep and complex, but it surprises with its vibrance and freshness. Perky, patisserie aromas of pineapple cake, candied ginger, and orangette entice, then give way to darker notes on the palate of chocolate, coffee, and hints of rancio, culminating in a rich finish of walnut, membrillo, and cheese that lingers for what seems like hours." (Vinous Jul. 2108)

"This is the ultimate hand-crafted spirit." (May Matta-Aliah of In The Grape

96 points. (Wine Enthusiast, 2012) 

Top Score, Chairman's Trophy: 97 points. "Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation" (Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2011

Gold Medal, Prix du President de la Republique (Concours des Grandes Eaux de Vie d'Armagnac) 

5 stars. "Highest Recommendation, Best Buy" (Spirit Journal, 2006) 

"Top 50 Best Spirits 2006." "Top 10 Best Armagnacs 2006" (Wine Enthusiast)

Bas Armagnac l’Authentique

A bottle of Bas-Armagnac Delord L'Authentique with a red and gold wax seal, a wax cap, and handwritten label indicating the alcohol volume is 45.9%.

The Armagnac in Delord Authentique spent an average of 30 years in oak barrels, first in heavily-charred new French oak, before finishing in older barrels. Pairs well with fruit tarts, particularly pear, and almonds.

L'Authentique is an assemblage of very old Armagnacs born of the selection of different barrels representing, in our minds, the most emblematic vintages of our house. 

An Armagnac with great complexity marrying notes of vanilla, wood, and roasted coffee beans with aromas of prunes, walnuts, and dried fruit. A Bas Armagnac with true Gascon character! Bonne degustation!

- Sylvain & Jacques Delord

Reviews

5 Stars. Highest recommendation.
“First nosing passes present me with oodles of baked fruits, in particular pears and pineapple, as well as earthier scents of cooking oil, oak two-by-four, mace, and led pencil; further aeration stimulates deeper, wood-tinged fragrances of maple fudge, resin, and unsalted brown butter. Entry soars with roasted/toasted oak and fruit flavors, especially baked pear, and presents a focused taste profile that's rich in texture and almost rum-like in flavor intensity; midpalate is this brandy's pinnacle moment as the aspects identified in the latter bouquet stage and the entry merge into a singular flavor that’s baked, fruity, bittersweet, caramelized, peppery, and sinewy in texture.  Concludes extra long in the throat, honeyed, raisiny, and perfectly proportioned. A Delord touchstone moment." (Paul Pacult, The New Kindred Spirits 2021)

Chairman's Trophy! 96 points! Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
"Aromas of baking spices, nutmeg and grilled stone fruit play on the nose. Spicy at first in the mouth, then developing into tobacco leaf and hints of caramel. The layers continue to unfold as you sip." (Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2018)

5 stars! Highest Recommendation
"Tawny/ Bronze color; superb purity. Entry soars...and presents a focused taste profile that's rich in texture and almost rum-like in flavor intensity; midpalate is this brandy's pinnacle moment... Concludes extra long in the throat, honeyed, raisiny, and perfectly proportioned. A Delord touchstone moment." (Paul Pacult, Spirit Journal, 2018)

Gold Medal (International Spirits Challenge, London, 2013)

Bas Armagnac Creation No. 13

A bottle of Bas Armagnac Delord Creation No. 13 with a silver wax seal and top, a handwritten label indicating the alcohol content is 44.7%, with a wooden gift box with the Delord logo on the bottom front in the background.

Each year, Sylvain Delord selects several cask-strength vintages to develop the new limited edition “Création.” No. 13 features three vintages from 1988, 1995, and 1999.

Aromas of toasted bread, cocoa, vanilla and dried fruits (raisins & figs). The palate opens with notes of orange peel, nutmeg, cinnamon, and roasted coffee with a touch of tobacco on the finish.  

Reviews

97 points. Ultimate Recommendation, Finalist. Top 100 Spirits. 
"A stately nose with hints of warm, buttered raisin bread, pipe tobacco, cedar, and milk chocolate. Opulent palate, rife with hints of dried fig, candied orange peel, soft caramel, and cherry cobbler before coalescing into an elegant, spiced finish. This is a truly admirable spirit." (Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2023)

Bas Armagnac Épopée

A large black bottle of Delord Grande Eau de Vie Bas-Armagnac inside a wooden frame gift box with a small gold key hanging from a black string around the neck of the bottle.

Representing 130 years of Armagnac Delord, this very special blend is crafted from one vintage distilled by each of the four generations of Delord family distillers.

▪️ 1900: representing the work of Prosper Delord, founder of the House. Notes of rancio and spices.
▪️ 1938: for Gaston and Georges, the siblings who knew how to think big. Notes of dried fruit and spices.
▪️ 1973 and 1974: for Jacques and Pierre, who proudly developed the Delord brand. 1973: light notes of dried fruits. 1974: delicate aromas of wood.
▪️ 2004: for Jérôme and Sylvain, the current generation who have decided to share their passion for this ancestral eau-de-vie. Gourmand notes of vanilla and cacao.


For Sylvain, this blend is "an aromatic journey through the expertise of 4 generations." Through this blend we also wanted to highlight Sylvain’s exceptional work and skill as our Cellar Master.


Only 584 bottles were made and only 96 bottles are available in the US! Heavenly Spirits is proud to represent this historic brand in the US.

Close-up of a decoratively-embossed black bottle of Delord Bas Armagnac Grande Eau-de-Vie, established in 1893, with ornate gold lettering and the Delord logo in gold.
A black bottle of Delord Bas Armagnac Grande Eau-de-Vie beside two half-filled tulip glasses on a bar, with a dark brown leather couch in the background.
Line of black bottles with gold keys of Grande Eau de Vie Bas-Armagnac from Delord, featuring dark labels with gold accents displayed on a wooden surface.

Vintages

The specificity… The whole history of Armagnac and the House. From 1900 to the present day, Delord’s “Paradise” contains glass demi-jeannes that protect their oldest vintage Armagnacs. Vintages must have a minimum ageing of 10 years. The regulations on vintages are not overly strict, which is why we see a lot more vintage Armagnacs than Cognacs. 

Display of 14 vintage Armagnac bottles with vintage-style labels, copper wax tops, copper and gold seals,  and each with different vintage distillation years spanning 1971 to 1985.

Floc de Gascogne

Two bottles of Delord Floc de Gascogne grape dessert wine, one with dark red liquid on the left and the other with light yellow liquid on the right, both with black caps and white labels with pink and red accents.

Highlights

The traditional aperitif of the Gascogne region, Floc de Gascogne is a blend of local sweet grape juice and Armagnac. Its production is protected and overseen under an AOC or Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, ensuring Floc meets the highest standards. 

At around 17% alcohol, it is a great way to prepare your appetite before the main meal, with foie gras, or to enjoy with fruit for a refreshing dessert.

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