See details and images below for Armagnacs from Baron de Lustrac, Baron de Sigognac and Armagnac Janneau.
Turning 40 years old is a major milestone, and finding the right 40th birthday present can be a challenge. One unique and memorable gift idea for anyone born in 1984 is a bottle of 40 year old Armagnac. In 2024, that would be a 1984 Vintage Armagnac.
40 Year Old Armagnac
Armagnac is a superb French brandy from the Gascony region, a slightly lesser-known sibling of the more famous Cognac. Armagnac boasts a distinct flavour profile that is often described as heartier, fuller, and spicier than Cognac. As Armagnac ages, the spirit develops a wonderfully soft, mellow, and well-rounded character. This makes 1984 Vintage Armagnac an excellent choice for a 40th birthday gift, as the brandy will have had ample time to reach its prime maturity. Unlike wine or port, vintage Armagnac is often still very much drinkable at 40 years of age. The 1984 vintage, in particular, is known to have produced exceptional Armagnacs that remain enjoyable today.
For the ultimate 40th birthday present, consider sourcing a bottle from one of the renowned small-batch Armagnac producers, such as Baron de Lustrac or Baron de Sigognac, or a more famous producer like Janneau. All three of these specialist distilleries focus on crafting high-quality vintage expressions that make for a truly special gift. A 1984 Vintage Armagnac is sure to delight any 40-year-old whisky or brandy enthusiast. It’s a thoughtful, unique, and age-appropriate gift that captures the milestone of turning 40. It would also make an excellent 40th wedding anniversary gift.
But Baron de Lustrac 1984 here.
Baron de Lustrac is made by a small independent bottler who has connections with lots of small producers that have a good stock of older vintage Armagnac quietly ageing away in their cellars. It is in the cellars where the brandy is aged in toasted oak barrels where the spirit interacts with the oak to gain the desirable characteristics one should be looking for in brandy. So, over time, the brandy takes on colour from the cask along with vanillins and tannins. As it ages it becomes darker in colour and aromas and flavours of prunes, violets, fig, honey, butterscotch and “rancio” develop.
Tasting Notes:
A powerful Armagnac. This Armagnac is a bright shade of amber with a copper glow.
The bouquet is complex, with a subtle balance between candied pears
and hazelnuts.
This spirit is full-bodied and powerful. It has a long and warm finish,
with elegant cedary notes.
Buy Baron de Lustrac 1984 Vintage Armagnac here.
Baron de Sigognac is slightly different from Baron de Lustrac in that they actually grow grapes themselves, vinify them and oversee the whole distillation and ageing process themselves. This is the exception rather than the rule. This has led to Baron de Sigognac being one of the more highly regarded Armagnac producers. They also remain independently family-owned. The Guasch family, who have been in Gascony since the 12th century, have owned Chateau de Bordeneuve, where Baron de Sigognac is made, since 1974.
Tasting Notes:
Deep amber in colour.
A complex and powerful nose with notes of cocoa and liquorice; very elegant.
Great structure on the palate, fat and supple with an intense finale, rich in Corinthian grape (raisin) and vanilla.
Buy Janneau 1984 here,
Janneau is one of the top Armagnac houses. Not only is it one of the oldest of the great houses but it is also the world’s leading brand of Armagnac. Uniquely, Janneau is the only major house that distils, blends and ages its own stocks under its own roof. Having access to their own distillery gives Janneau complete control over the quality and personality of their Armagnac.
The depth of colour and complexity of flavours increase all the time the spirit is aged in cask and the colour becomes darker with age ranging from pale straw to rich amber. As well as becoming darker in colour as Armagnac ages it also becomes softer, smoother and more elegant on the palate whilst aromas and flavours of prunes, violets, fig, honey, butterscotch and rancio develop.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Bright and clear with copper highlights.
Nose: Aromas of licorice on the nose.
Palate: Straight forward entry with great balance, round. Its youth is not obvious. Licorice on the finish too.
The depth of colour and complexity of flavours increase all the time the spirit is aged in cask and the colour becomes darker with age ranging from pale straw to rich amber. As well as becoming darker in colour as Armagnac ages it also becomes softer, smoother and more elegant on the palate whilst aromas and flavours of prunes, violets, fig, honey, butterscotch and rancio develop.
There is a useful Baron de Sigognac vintage chart available here which displays the various characteristics of particular vintages. For example, the 1984 vintage is characterised as fine, light and easy to drink with principal flavours of fruit and toasted bread.
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