The explosion of the craft Bourbon movement is a bona fide phenomenon, one that has propelled small production labels into the limelight and caused prices on the most coveted bottles to balloon, in some cases astronomically. Beyond the simple prestige of enjoying something rare, what is it that makes these bottles special enough to command such steep premiums?

Wood, time, and quality. We can certainly appreciate well-made whisk(e)y in its many forms, but we're increasingly convinced that no spirit captures the perfect marriage of these three components better than great Armagnac. We have an exceptional example to offer today that we’re sure will go a long way in convincing you of the same.

Armagnac is the name for a style of brandy and the region in Southwest France it has called home since the 13th century. Few spirits can claim such a long history of tradition or such a strong identity and sense of place. The quality of Armagnac relies on a number of factors: the quality of terroir for grape growing, skill with the still, length of aging and quality of casks, and, frequently, talent of the Master Blender.

Master is an appropriate introduction for Nicolas Palazzi, founder of PM Spirits and mastermind behind many of our favorite spirits at the shop. He has brought us a host of stunning bottles over the years: Mezcal Vago, Bordelet Calvados and Mic Drop Bourbon, among many others. L’Encantada XO Armagnac is his latest project, and one we hope will bring more deserved attention to this special region.

This particular one-off release of just 1,600 bottles is a team effort between Nicolas and Armagnac cask hunters L’Encantada, who curate their selections on “authenticity, tradition, and know-how.” Everything they select is “barrel raw” with neither color nor alcohol content modified. L’Encantada has caught the attention of Bourbon Whiskey connoisseurs with bottlings that offer power and richness reminiscent of top quality Bourbon, with a high value proposition to boot. This release is a blend of four unique casks: Domaine Louis Pibous 1989, Domaine Louis Pibous 1987, Domaine del Cassou 1994 and Domaine Bellair 1997. All four casks were produced on the traditional traveling Alembic still and aged in local Gascon oak. This is a benchmark moment for Armagnac in the US market, as cask-hunted releases rarely make it over here.

You'd be well served to pick up a bottle or two before this goes the way of Mic Drop, but we'd also invite you to come by the shop on Friday, September 7th from 5:30-7:30 to meet Nicolas and taste it for yourself. Keep scrolling for more details on the Armagnac and click here to sign up for the tasting on our site

The bottles below are offered on a first come, first served basis. Follow the links below to purchase directly from our site or call/email us if you need some assistance.

PLEASE NOTE WE CAN ONLY SHIP SPIRITS WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Cheers,
  
THE BOTTLE
 
L'ENCANTADA - BAS ARMAGNAC, XO
24+ BOTTLES AVAILABLE
$100.00/BOTTLE
L’Encantada XO Armagnac is a richly textured, deeply layered, and effusively aromatic spirit. Even at first glance, it offers something familiar to Bourbon lovers, a lovely deep burnt amber hue which serves as an entrée to heady aromas of caramel and spice detailed by dried fruits, mineral and mint, owed to high quality Folle Blanche and Baco grapes. Texturally, the feel is very powerful, particularly here at cask strength of 46.8%. A few drops of water will tame this for someone looking for a more traditional Armagnac experience, but Bourbon lovers may prefer to dive in full strength. On the palate, this is a well-balanced, complete drink of exceptional quality, length and concentration. The flavors unfold revealing a clear story line: toffee, caramel, and sweet Virginia tobacco speak to the time evolving in oak, while dried apricot, fig, and haunting floral high tones tell the tale of vineyard, winemaking and alchemy, transmuting all of the careful efforts into an other-worldly experience.