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| Brandy: Brandy is a spirit produced by distilling wine, the wine having first been produced by fermenting grapes. Brandy contains 36%–60% alcohol by volume and is normally consumed as an after-dinner drink. Brandy can also be made from fermented fruit (i.e., other than grapes) and from pomace. Cognac, Armagnac, Grappa, Eau Di Vie |
| Armagnac is a type of brandy, similar to Cognac but from a bit further south and actually pre-dating Cognac by 150 or so years. Our friend Charles Neal has some wonderfully pithy examples, like zen koans to describe the difference. Here is one. Cognac = Ninja. Armagnac = Pirate. |
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Chateau de Pellehaut Armagnac
Chateau de Pellehaut is from the Tenareze appelation. Armagnac from this area tends to be a little lighter and more delicate than the Bas region. Some say they may be longer lived. But look, it's the Holiday season and who's waiting. The body is medium, there are elements of vanilla and red berries in the nose and a subtle raspberry note remains in the mouth after you swallow.
$54.75 |
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Chateau de Briat (Baron de Pichon-Longueville) Bas-Armagnac "Hors d'age"
The Bas-Amagnacs are a bit fuller and more swaggering than those from the Tenareze. Briat uses a good quantity of Bacco, ( the most pirate-like of Armagnac grapes) which lends it a rich, almost whiskey tinged flavor. Earthy and cockle warming.
$68.50 |
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Chateau de Briat (Baron de Pichon-Longueville) Bas-Armagnac 1988
More velvety and complex than the Hors d'Age. Dark flavors of coffee,caramel and cocoa. If you want to go big...
$111.75 |
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Dudognon Cognac Grande Champagne Vielle Reserve
Very elegant, leather armchair and slippers stuff here. Refined and mellow aromas of white chocolate and toasted spices. Don't gulp this. Sink into it like a good book.
$115.25 |
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Jean Fillioux "Balzac" V.S.O.P.
Founded in 1880 by Honoré Fillioux, current generation Pascal Fillioux makes cognac the same way his great-grandfather did. This is aged 7 years and gives great concentration along with a gentle spice.
$34.75 |
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Jean Fillioux Cep d'Or Cognac
The vineyards of Jean Fillioux lie in the "Golden Triangle" of Cognac. The Golden Triangle produces the most delicate and finest Cognac and Jean Fillioux's is no exception. Very full, with tropical fruits, sandal wood, and nuances of old port.
$57.25 |
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Jean Fillioux "La Pouyade" Cognac
The one man show of Pascal J. Fillioux runs full speed ahead yet again. Using exclusively 100% new oak barrels for all his Cognac. Fillioux dances a ballet in the darkness of his cellar. Distinct and powerful bouquet that is both supple and long lasting.
$45.75 |
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Lemorton Vieux Calvados Domfrontais Reserve
The Lemorton family has been making Calvados for six generations in the region of Domfrontais, where pears and well as apples are used to make Calvados. Once again there is just a feel of a cottage industry when you take a sip of this. It tastes like someplace. Although there are more pear than apple trees planted on the property it still tastes more of apples. If you really concentrate you can smell and taste the pears. There is something like a creamy, baked fruit tart in the flavor. A perfect, comforting winter drink.
$52.75 |
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St. George Spirits Grappa of Zinfandel
Dried figs, carmel, and cloves. A walk between rows of a September vineyard. Dusty heat, spicy sweetness. This is a Zinfandel grape's fragrant ghost. Whoa, nelly.
$38.50 |
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Le Gode Grappa of Brunello di Montalcino
Imported by German Madman, James Koch. Le Gode is crazy good. The property is owned by the Ripaccioli Family, the first year they released wine commercially was 1995. Virtually unknown to the rest of the world, they also make grappa. A top secret 500ML bottle is at SLW proving that the secret is out.
$68.75
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