Castarede, the oldest trading house of Armagnac, has launched its latest cuvee, bringing together a 25-year-old expression of its famous eau-de-vie with a nod toward the artistry behind the world’s most famous cigar.
Presented in a wooden case encircled by a ring reminiscent of the cedar leaf cases of a Hoyo de Monterrey, a Montecristo or a Romeo Y Julieta, Castarede’s new vintage would surely have charmed Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy or George Sand.
This Armagnac cuvée dedicated to cigars was born from the idea that both the famous drink and the Habanos are the fruits of a specific terroir, talent, devotion and the unique know-how of the men and women working the land.
Tobacco leaves and brandy both mature in barrels and share a particular finesse and complexity of taste. That pairing demands an Armagnac that’s strong and characterful, so Castarede has chosen a 25-year-old cuvee from the Ténarèze appellation, expressing its magnificent terroir and echoing the cigars of La Vuelta Abajo.
While we’ve yet to try the new drink, Casrarede says it’s a light golden amber liquid with perfectly limpid topaz reflections. On the nose, it’s very rich but subtle with scents of orange blossom, verbena and cherries with kirsch. The finish is minty.
Nervous but rich and intense in the mouth, it all starts with almonds followed by notes of the vine, yellow peach and fresh tobacco. The finish is persistent and melts gently on notes of candied mandarin and stewed prunes. The back of the glass is very rich and fresh, still on warmed prune and fresh herbs.
Available now in 500ml bottles for €125
(£105), the Cigar Collection joins the extensive Castarede range, including the impressive Castarede Bas Armagnac XO 20.
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