Olivia Taylor
Unlocking the Aromas from a French Affair: Bardstown Château De Laubade Armagnac Finish Review
Ah, the Bardstown Bourbon Company, that industrious alchemist of the bourbon world, has once again dipped its wizardly fingers into the elixir of life. But this isn’t just any concoction; this is the Bardstown Château De Laubade Armagnac Finish, a delectable mingling of Kentucky and Tennessee bourbon with the enigmatic spirit from France’s heart.
The Olfactory Overture: A Nose for Nuance
Breathe in deeply, my friends, for the nose of this potion transports you to an autumnal festival where heavily toasted oak stands tall, garlanded with cinnamon powder and ground nutmeg. Here, dry pie crust crumbles underfoot, leather-bound books lie open, sharing their wisdom, and brown sugar sweetens the air. But lo! There’s a dragon – slight ethanol heat – puffing its fierce yet friendly breath on you, unmistakably stamped with the Armagnac influence.
A Palatable Potion: Sipping the Enchanted Brew
Upon gracing your palate, this bourbon is like being serenaded by mythical creatures, seraphic voices offering peaches and cream on a platter, bold rye spice conducting the choir, and sweet vanilla cream lathering luxuriously over a foundation of aged oak. Yes, there’s a hint of cinnamon bread that teases and twirls. The texture? A creamy mouthfeel fit for royalty. And these creamy sweet notes, oh my, they play a daring dance, trying to tame the spice that refuses to be put in a corner.
The Grand Finale: Spirited Away by the Finish
Now, for the encore we’ve all been waiting for: the finish that carries forth a symphony of rich cinnamon syrup, a light tickle of rye spice, and a dignified bow of rich aged oak. Fleeting brown sugar waltzes past, leaving behind a simmering heat that lingers, a delicious adieu to a sip well savored.
Crafting the Unforgettable: A Limited Edition Legacy
What’s this Bardstown creation, you ask? With their latest limited edition release finished in those noble Château De Laubade Armagnac barrels, the Bourbon company has proven their blending prowess. They’ve married the fiery spirit of bourbon with the old-world charm of Armagnac, a French brandy that’s sometimes mistaken for well-aged whiskey due to its tantalizing taste.
Blending Across Borders: A Fusion of American and French Heritage
The 2022 Château de Laubade Armagnac release is like a diplomat’s handshake between two proud regions. It showcases a blend of 12-year-old Kentucky bourbon’s strength and a 10-year-old Tennessee bourbon’s mellowness. Finished in Laubade Armagnac casks for 16 months, it’s a testament to craftsmanship and international camaraderie.
So, what magic has unfolded during those 16 months in the barrel? The sip is charged with a certain je ne sais quoi, showcasing a refined aged oak note that balances the sweet and spicy saga. From the nose to the grand finish, it’s a crescendo of flavors that makes one heck of a taste performance!
The Price of Pleasure: Indulging in the Luxe Life
Pondering the price? Granted, it may seem steep, yet for lovers of Armagnac, or fans of a well-crafted bourbon finish, this Bardstown treasure holds the key to your heart. It brings together the spice that rye aficionados worship and the sweetness that bourbon enthusiasts adore, striking a harmonious chord.
To Purchase or Not to Purchase: That Is the Question
Before you check under your couch cushions for lost coins, consider this: the Bardstown Château De Laubade is not just another bourbon on the shelf. It’s a story in a bottle, a fable of flavor. It’s an investment that pays dividends in sensory delight.
So when you see Bardstown Bourbon Company Château De Laubade II (2022) on the shelf, or lurking in the shadows of an online retailer like Frootbat, remember the adventure that awaits within that glass bastion. It’s more than a sip; it’s an experience, a journey—which, by the way, makes a helluva tale to regale your friends with at your next whiskey soirée!
Dear reader, we have journeyed through the verdant valleys and over the rich, spicy peaks of this limited elixir. May your glass always be half full (unless you’re pouring another), and may the Bardstown Château De Laubade Armagnac Finish be a cherished guest in your liquor cabinet!
Classification: Straight Bourbon Finished in Chateau De Laubade Armagnac Barrels
Company: Bardstown Bourbon Company
Distillery: Sourced from undisclosed distilleries in Kentucky and Tennessee
Release Date: September 2022
Proof: 107
Age: Blend of 10 and 12 year straight bourbons finished in Armagnac barrels for an additional 16 months
Mashbill: Blend of 4 mashbills:
-66% 12 year old Kentucky bourbon: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
-17% 10 year old Tennessee bourbon: 84% Corn, 8% Rye, 8% Malted Barley
Color: Bright Bronze
MSRP: $160 (2022)
I absolutely loved reading about the Bardstown Château Armagnac and its spirited bourbon odyssey. The article did a fantastic job highlighting the rich history and unique qualities of this incredible whiskey.