Notes: 1986 L'Encantada - Belair
1986 L'Encantada - Belair #6 - Bas-Armagnac - 33 yr. - 53.9%
The Bellair estate is located on the plain that stretches out to the west of the meandering Douze River. Planted with Baco and Ugni Blanc, the estate has its own still.
This cask was selected by Beast Masters Club, an NYC based independent bottler of spirits - plenty of whiskey, rum, and brandy. The group also has a podcast and sets up member tasting experiences.
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Notes: Nose is dark with coffee, old oak, wood spice, cigar box, tobacco, raisin. Rich and full on the palate - oak forward. Plenty of wood sugars, coffee, and dried berries. Nice action from the wood and baking spice. Great layers. Dips back to barrel sweets and a touch of coffee in the finish.
Pour This For: It's an oak show that will turn any of your Foursquare or bourbon buddies on to armagnac.
Score: 9 (Stash Two) Manages the heavily extracted profile wonderfully. I stretched my budget for a back-up. As dark as this reads, the structure and ABV provide balance and the necessary action to keep this from drinking too heavy.
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Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour