Grapediggaz Armagnac XO
Origin: France/Germany (GrapeDiggaz) | 46,3% | Price: ca. 70€
Here we are once again, with another bottling of Grapediggaz together with Kirsch Import, the armagnac, this time in XO quality.
XO is the highest age predicate for armagnac. It stands for "Extra Old" and is used parallel to the designation "Napoléon". Since 2018, the youngest distillate in an XO must mature in oak barrels for at least ten years. Previously, it was only at least six years, a significant increase in the minimum age. It should be borne in mind that many armagnacs are blends of different vintages. Longer matured distillates are used to round off at the same time, but also to bring in complexity, even before the new legal regulation.
So what do we got here in this slightly rustic-antique designed bottle, which with its high-quality paper label is meant to awake many associations to the craft behind the design, but also behind the distillate? Te used brandies are matured between 12 and 18 years, enough time to absorb a lot and in turn pass on some of the aroma complexity in the tasting experience. At the very top of the label, one also can find the source where the Wu Dram Clan went for their treasure hunt, written with pride: Aurian. A partner with whom Grapediggaz and the people behind Wu Dram Clan have often worked together to bring out ancient single casks, among other releases.
As far as grape varieties are concerned the rather fruity Baco, Ugni Blanc for some spice and a small percentage of Colombard, which should contribute acidity, were combined. Particularly important, especially for the possible use in highest quality cocktails: As already the Cognac VSOP, we got a little more % to work with and to make it easier to use the full aromatic power, 46.3% to be exact.
The grape varieties and their balance is also what I was particularly excited about with this release, online some people mention the forest floor notes and spice, but in my opinion the fruits are still wonderfully present, partly even tropical fresh, papaya and dried pineapple, partly dried fruit from the European continent.
The armagnac can be used in various cognac drinks with its age and range of notes, which can be emphasized differently, as you will see in my following recommendations. At the same time I would recommend to focus on those drinks that put the spirit front and centre, it would otherwise be a pity concerning this fine bottling...
I have tested it, as already the Cognac VSOP, in the Japanese Cocktail, as well as in the Armagnac-based Et Moi Je Te Dus Maud and just this week again paired with rum in the Bananarac, getting excellent results all around.
Nose:
Ahh, a full and and aromatic nose, pouring it into the glass it is one of those cases where you can smell it from half a meter away, round and inviting, warm and elegant, some papaya, dried fruit, fresh young forest earth, some moss, but never really dark, rather bright, fresh, bright, light tobacco, pineapple chips, dark honey, nice oak notes, later also a touch of fresh, still steaming rye crust, ginger
Taste:
Apple Pie, noticeable yet round oak and other sweet, light type of woods, tobacco, ginger, candied and still fresh juicy with slight spiciness, dark honey, forest earth, papaya, pineapple chips, birch sap, star fruit, walnuts, almonds, camphor
Finish:
Ginger, tobacco, apples, almonds, star fruit, camphor and a little fennel, medium to long, warm, round and with nice residual acidity that lingers quite a while
The bottle was provided by Kirsch Import, thanks!
