Sometimes in summer we think of more fruity drinks and with the lower distillation range of 52 – 72 degrees there is ample scope to develop the plummy flavours of good armagnac. Delord have a superb range of vintage armagnacs, but like so many armagnac houses they have recognised that these vintages will one day run out. The firm is determined to state ages on their bottles, and we have chosen the 20 year old Bas Armagnac to test.
One can never be entirely happy with the concept of blending brandies together, as variations can occur that create differences in flavour. But somehow Delord have not only prevented any such variations but have also made a thouroughly pleasant Armagnac with distinctive pruney and roasted walnut flavours. Delord have always been one of our favourites, this is no exception. Our score 8/10
Delord 20 y.o. Bas Armagnac
Although still quite small, Delord rank amongst the greats in Gascogne. Their distillation is around 60 degrees and this provides many of the traditional prune and fruit flavours of the region but also many of the rich nutty flavours of spirits distilled at a higher range. They are also small enough to have more individuality between vintages although all their armagnacs gain greater maturity with age.
