Delord Cask Strength Vintage 1997/2020 (22 års Single Cask), Bas-Armagnac, 49.5%

Introduction

Delord’s 1997 Single Cask represents the pinnacle of Armagnac craftsmanship, meticulously produced by one of the region’s most respected families who have been distilling since 1893 in the distinguished Bas-Armagnac terroir.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Selected white grapes (primarily Ugni Blanc, Baco, and Colombard) grown in the premium clay-limestone soils of Bas-Armagnac
• Distillation process: Traditional continuous distillation through a unique copper Armagnac alembic still, preserving the spirit’s characteristic robustness and complexity
• Maturation: 22 years in a single French black oak cask from the Gascony forests, allowing for concentrated flavor development and natural reduction
• Special techniques: Bottled at cask strength (49.5%) without chill-filtration or additives, capturing the pure essence of the single cask

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich dried fruits with prune, fig, and apricot, complemented by notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and delicate orange zest with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg
• Palate: Full-bodied and robust with layers of baked apple, dark chocolate, candied orange peel, and toasted hazelnuts, balanced by subtle tannins and caramelized sugar
• Finish: Exceptionally long and warming with lingering oak spices, dried fruit, cocoa, and a touch of leather and tobacco, showcasing the spirit’s decades of maturation

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped snifter or Cognac glass to concentrate the complex aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat in small sips, allowing time for the aromas and flavors to evolve in the glass
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate desserts, blue cheese, dried fruits, or enjoyed as a contemplative digestif after a fine meal

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 49.5% ABV (cask strength)
• Bottle size: 700ml
• Country/Region of origin: Bas-Armagnac, Gascony, France
• Certifications/Awards: Appellation Bas-Armagnac Contrôlée, with numerous awards for Delord’s vintage expressions

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This 1997 vintage Single Cask represents an exceptional moment in time, captured and preserved through traditional distillation methods that have remained unchanged for generations.

With only one cask bottled from this particular vintage year, quantities are extremely limited and each bottle represents a rapidly diminishing treasure from the Delord family cellars.

The Delord family’s expertise has been recognized by spirits authorities worldwide, with their vintage expressions frequently garnering praise from critics and connoisseurs alike.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Armagnac enthusiasts and collectors eagerly seek out Delord’s vintage releases, particularly their rare single cask expressions that showcase the purest expression of this historic spirit.

Those who appreciate fine aged spirits often develop a lasting commitment to Delord’s vintage Armagnacs, returning to them for their consistent excellence and remarkable complexity.

Professional tasters and spirits judges have repeatedly highlighted the extraordinary depth and balance achieved in Delord’s carefully aged Bas-Armagnacs, placing them among the world’s finest brandies.

From Delord Family to You

By carefully selecting and bottling this exceptional cask at its optimal maturation point, the Delord family has shared a true gift that represents more than two decades of patient craftsmanship.

The warmth and character of this Armagnac reflects the genuine passion and dedication of a family that has been perfecting their craft across four generations in the heart of Gascony.

Adding this bottle to your collection connects you with a centuries-old tradition of Armagnac production and the rich cultural heritage of southwestern France, offering a truly authentic taste of one of the world’s most distinguished spirits.