Baron de Lustrac 1956 Vintage Armagnac 70cl

Description

Baron de Lustrac 1956 Vintage Armagnac will make a fantastic birthday present for anyone born in 1956.

What Is Armagnac?

Armagnac is a type of brandy that is claimed to be the oldest spirit in the world. It has been recorded as being distilled and appreciated since 1411 and, in former times, was even used for medicinal purposes. Armagnac is also a region in the southwest of France and is divided into three “sous-appellations”: Bas-Armagnac, Ténarèze and Haut-Armagnac. Armagnac, along with its more illustrious relative Cognac, are the two most famous French brandies. Vintage Armagnac is produced from a single vintage.

Baron de Lustrac: An “Eleveur-Négociant”

Baron de Lustrac is a small Armagnac brand known as an “éleveur-négociant”, or “merchant-producer”. As an éleveur-négociant, Baron de Lustrac works with a small number of producers and growers (around 20) throughout the Armagnac region. The producers age the Armagnac in oak barrels in their own cellars, while Baron de Lustrac is responsible for monitoring the ageing of the eau-de-vie, blending and bottling the final product. This gives Lustrac a huge amount of control over the final product. All their Armagnacs, including this Baron de Lustrac 1956 Vintage Armagnac, are bottled at their bottling cellar in Nogaro, in the heart of the Armagnac region.

Carefully Aged in Oak Barrels

Once distilled, the crystal-clear, colourless spirit is aged in 420-litre oak barrels made from Limousin or Monlezun oak from the Gers. It is here, in the barrel, that the Armagnac leaches vanillins and tannins from the toasted oak, which lend the spirit colour and flavour. The depth of colour and complexity of flavour increase as the spirit is aged in cask, ranging from pale straw through to rich amber.

It takes about 10 years in barrel for the true quality of Armagnac to emerge. It is at this point that all the balance, complexity and roundness one expects from a quality spirit begin to come through.

What Does 1956 Vintage Armagnac Taste Like?

As it ages for even longer periods, the Armagnac becomes darker in colour and softer, smoother and more elegant on the palate, while aromas and flavours of prunes, violets, figs, honey, butterscotch and rancio develop

Part of the alcohol evaporates naturally during the long years in cask – this is known as “la part des anges” (the angel’s share).

A Perfect Gift For Someone Born in 1956

Baron de Lustrac 1956 Vintage Armagnac is presented in an old-fashioned Armagnac bottle and wooden gift box. Only available in very limited quantities.