Jean Fillioux Single Cask 212
Cask Strength, Single Cask Cognac Grande Champagne
Cask strength 47.5%
Single cask #212.
No added sugar.
A single origin, single cru, non chill-filtered Cognac that was aged in new oak for a couple of years and then the rest of its life in "fut roux" (used barrel).
The nose displays notes of candied fruit, orange marmalade, and vanilla, with a little honeysuckle flower at the end.
Entry palate is sweet from the natural sweetness of the wood fibers. A lively pear juice flavor gives way to more candied orange fruit and finishes with a touch of spice and rancio.
Reviews
Chairman's Trophy, 97 points, Top 100 Spirits 2021
“A wonderfully complex nose bends flavors of stained sandalwood, toasted almond, orange pastry, and white chocolate. The palate is equally exemplary and provides a strong impact before a long and undulating finish.” (Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2021)
Jean Fillioux Cask Strength, Single Cask Cognac Grande Champagne
Single cask #96-1
No added sugar.
Distilled in 1996. Bottled in 2022.
Only 504 bottles available. Aged 26 years in oak cask. 43.3% ABV
A single origin, single cru, non chill-filtered Cognac from the exclusive Gold Triangle of the Grande Champagne. Harvested and distilled in 1996, this Cognac was beautifully matured in second fill Limousin French oak casks, in a temperate cellar.
Enchanting nose of madeleine, candied citrus fruits, beeswax, and quince.
Rich, complex, persistent mouth of prune, yellow peach, pronounced empyreumatic notes, as chocolate, tobacco, and toast illustrate a beautiful maturity. Delicious and long finish with aromas of candied orange and a touch of black cherry.
Claque-Pépin Calvados Organic XO Single Cask #077
Cask #077
Cask Strength: 61%
100% Organic
Finished in Cognac Barrel from Distillerie du Peyrat (organic)
Tasting Notes from Benoît Louvet:
Copper orange hues. The first nose releases hints of spices and vanilla, followed by complex notes of fruit compote with some pitted plum and a light orange rind finish. The palate is very intense, spiced and voluptuous, with persistent notes of dried fruits on the finish.
Why we picked this cask: Starting with a seductively appealing fruit and vanilla nose, the first sip is packed with deep and flavorful complexities unlike any calvados we had previously tasted, with baked apple, marzipan and toasted spices. The finish was long and slightly tingly, but left us wanting more. Shocked and surprised to learn the ABV was actually over 60, we knew right away this was a rare and exceptional spirit that needed to be bottled and shared on its own.
Dan Cooney, Heavenly Spirits
Reviews
“A single cask bottled at an astonishingly high proof means robust flavor and extra alcohol heat. Bold allspice, sarsaparilla and marzipan aromas plus a hint of black cherry entice from the moment the liquid is poured. Even with plenty of water added, the palate explodes with hot spices such as clove, pepper and cinnamon red-hots. These flavors linger into a barely tamed finish that evokes vanilla frosting sprinkled with cayenne.” Wine Enthusiast 2024
Hontambère Ténarèze Armagnac Vintage 1992
Barrel No. A2
Number of bottles: 200
100% Ugni Blanc grapes
Cask strength: 50.9%
Bottled in 2024.
Aged in oak casks for 31 years.
Initial aging in new French oak barrels, then transferred to wide-grained “red” French Limousin Oak. Aged in a dry cellar.
The older Limousin barrels are “red barrels.” “When a barrel is called “Red”, a reference to the reddish color of aged wood, it has aged before other eaux-de-vie during at least 2 years up to 8 years, reaching the perfect stage of maturation for both the wood and the spirit.”
Powerful and woody with aromas of prunes and vanilla on the nose, followed by a fresh, lemony finish. The palate is round and powerful, with hints of licorice and prunes. The mid-palate is woody with flavors of ripe banana and forest floor. The finish lingers long in the mouth.
Rare Armagnac Collection by Hontambère gives unprecedented access to one-off bottlings of Armagnacs from small producers, not previously available to those outside of the region – or even sometimes outside of the family. Our commitment to the traditions and people of this region and years of careful, patient work has given us access to the finest of these small lots of hand made artisanal Armagnacs now proudly released under the Rare Armagnac Collection.
The region of Armagnac lies in the heart of "la France Profonde." It is one of the few remaining truly rural parts of France which have preserved their authenticity, reflected in the Armagnac itself, which remains largely untouched by the modern fast pace of life. Local Artisans still respect the patient work of time that transforms youthful spirit into beautifully complex and rounded Armagnac after years resting in the ancient cellars of their tiny domaines.
The Armagnacs selected for the Rare Armagnac Collection are produced in tiny quantities by local families, using the same methods that have been handed down through generations for over 700 years.
Bastille 1789 Single Cask 096
BASTILLE 1789 SINGLE CASK 096 completes the collection of high-quality French whiskies from Maison DAUCOURT. This exceptional Single Malt is matured in ex-barrels of prestigious red wines from the Bordeaux vineyard for a unique taste experience.
Cask strength, unreduced and unfiltered, it is bottled at its natural strength of 56.7% ABV.
An elegant and authentic whiskey which stands out for its roundness and softness, like the BASTILLE 1789 range.
COLOR: Natural dark gold
NOSE: Fine aromas of malted cereals, delicate scent of undergrowth and slightly spicy ripe berries
TASTE: Smooth, powerful and perfectly balanced, revealing rich flavors of candied red fruits, almond and cocoa. The finish is long and intense with subtle peaty notes combining oak, red fruits, spices and chocolate.
Why we picked this cask: Having been familiar with the BASTILLE 1789 core line blend and single malt, both exceptionally easy to drink whiskies, we were starkly impressed when we first encountered this particular unreduced, natural strength cask. From the intensely aromatic nose with hints of fruit, to the full-bodied middle palate, which is well-balanced between sweet spices and dry toasted grains. The finish remains long and pleasurable in the mouth. We knew that real single malt whisky enthusiasts would appreciate and enjoy everything about it.
Dan Cooney, Heavenly Spirits
Armorik Pineau des Charentes Finish
Limited Edition: approx. 318 bottles. 46% ABV
Distilled in August 2012, bottled in August 2019.
Aged for 3.5 years in ex-bourbon and 3.5 years in Pineau des Charentes cask N°8163.
Reviews
“Positively divine.”
“The Single Cask expression of Armorik Single Malt is positively divine. I cannot recall the last time I have been this excited about a spirit. The rich, complex layers of woody caramel and sun-ripened fruit come in at around 92 proof but drinks like 80. It is spring fruit on the nose, oily aged fruit on the palate, and a long, luxurious finish that haunts my dreams. All I will say is that if you get your hands on a bottle, buy it and buy one for me while you’re at it.” (Jessica King, co-owner and operator of Lilou, Brother Wolf, and Osteria Stella in Knoxville, Tennessee, SevenFifty Daily)
Gold Medal, French Whisky of the Year
NY International Spirits Competition 2023
91 points
Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2020
93 points
“This French single malt finished in a Pineau des Charentes wine cask is a US-exclusive bottling for Armorik. The nose is fruity and complex with hints of red grapes, blueberries, and peaches balanced by touches of raisins and figs underneath. The taste is thick, oily, and rich with a spicy burst of clove on top of fresh fruits, figs, and raisin bread. The finish is long with subtle spices and hints of fruits. Very nice!” (WhiskyCast May, 2019)
Armorik Armagnac Finish
Highlights
The whisky was matured for 4 years in a refilled bourbon cask and spent a further 2 years in the Dartigalongue Armagnac cask. The first single malt to be finished in Armagnac casks.
Tasting notes from the Director of the Armorik Distillery, David Roussier:
Color: Copper
Nose: Nice aromatic intensity. At first some lemon notes and vanilla, followed by ripe fruits (Mirabelle plums) and elegant oaky notes. Licorice, with soft notes of pastry with almonds.
Palate: Intense aromas of citrus, followed by a nice roundness and nice volume. Elegant woodiness enhanced by peppery and fruity (peach) notes. Long and spicy finish.
Reviews
91 points
Excellent, Highly Recommended
"Bright pale gold in the glass. The nose opens with smoked golden raisins, prune and figs. Honey, cereal, sultana and more smoke come through on the palate in waves of flavor." (Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2018)
4 stars
Highly Recommended
"Entry is delicately sweet and maple-like -- the sweetness comes from an irrepressibly fruity ripeness that reminds me most of blackberry jam...in all, a well-knit flavor profile that extends into the satisfying finish as the taste turns drier, leaner, and nutty. In my view, the best Armorik I've had to date. Lovely." (Paul Pacult, Spirit Journal 2017)
“A drink that awakens…”
"What happened when [The Armorik] Distillery’s David Roussier finished some of his famous Breton whisky for 2 years in a Dartigalongue Armagnac cask from the oldest Bas Armagnac production house? Sweet apple, pear, vanilla, lemon peel, and marzipan appear. A drink that awakens intense citrus sensations of marmalade, mixed peel, lemon and orange segments, followed by a light snap of pepper, gooseberries, nectarine flesh, and a lemony finish with hints of oak." (Jonny McCormick, Whisky Advocate, Summer 2017)
