Battle of the 50-year-old Armagnacs! Bhakta 50 (Barrel #1) vs. Darroze 50!
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- So out of the blue recently, a wonderful viewer of mine was up at the Ironroot Distillery (where we do the Saints Alley Bourbons) and brought up barrel #1 of the Bhakta 50-year-old Armagnac. He graciously lent it to me, so I could share my thoughts of it with all of you. The Bhakta 50 is a blend of vintage Armagnacs from 1970, 1965, 1963, 1956, 1946, 1939, 1897, and 1868! They take the blend and fill an ex-Islay whisky cask (peated of course) for about two weeks. Raj Bhakta says it’s just enough to add another layer of complexity to the old Armagnacs. This “Barrel #1” was bottled at 44.8% abv and they usually release 350 bottles of it at $400-$500. Raj Bhakta started this venture 10 years after finishing up at Whistlepig - which he began in 2010. The story goes that he decided he wanted to do something else and considered vodkas, but eventually landed on this peated Armagnac idea after tasting a barrel of it in France. Now I’m not sure how many French wine/Armagnac makers have peated barrels laying around, but it at least makes for a cool story. Regardless of how the idea came about, it’s the first time we’ve seen bottles of something like this on the market (especially containing these mature stocks).
For comparison, I decided to showcase the Darroze 50-year-old Armagnac beside it. It’s bottled at 43% abv and retails between $300-$500. We don’t know of any specific vintages in it, but it’s tried and true and will make an excellent baseline. As an added bonus for my Patrons (www.patreon.com/liquorhound), I’ll be comparing another two Armagnacs at the end of this video that I think would be as good, if not better, buys. As always, I thank all of my viewers but send a special thank you to my Patreon supporters who’ve helped me keep my independence and allowed me to continue reviewing bottles without relying on donations or corporate sponsorships. So, if you enjoy this content and would like to help us keep it going, please join us at www.patreon.com/LiquorHound. There you’ll get a 2-week head start on hunting all the bottles I review - before they launch on UA-cam. You’ll also get lots of “Patron Only” bonus content at the end of my videos, every video add-free - including the large private review library (which has never been on UA-cam), have the ability to message me directly with questions, and can be eligible for my giveaways.
As of March 2022, my current bottle count is over 2,600. I am a Certified Specialist of Spirits and have also been accredited by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). I've been actively collecting for more than two decades and what started as a small basic home bar has transformed (with the help and understanding of my wonderful wife) into this collection and career. Speaking of my career, our new “Saints Alley Bourbons” have hit Total Wine shelves and they've been very popular! Given my knowledge and high standards, you know I’m working hard with my team to keep giving you some amazing releases! Thanks for watching and remember to please drink responsibly. Cheers!
I hope Armagnac doesn't become the next big thing - I still haven't tried it yet and part of its appeal is that you can get aged Armagnac for much cheaper than similarly aged Cognac.
One of your best videos, LiquorHound! Super informative and interesting one here
Love Armagnacs and found your podcast very interesting. I have had a great deal of enjoyment with the XO (15-20YO) versions of Castarede, Laubade and Delord. Recently I picked up several 30YO vintage Castarede and Delord Armagnacs but have yet to try them out. I am a bit reluctant to try 50 YO Armagnacs, esp given what I have access to when it is rarely available are only 40%abv.
I find Armagnac makes a great malt alternative and all whisky followers should try some out.
Thank you and I think you’re selecting well. 20-35 year olds seem to be the sweet spot for most. Enjoy them and cheers! 🥃
I really enjoyed Delord 50 and for $240 it’s hard to beat. Thanks Chris!
Thank you
Best in spirits reviews on UA-cam
👊🥃
Interesting, first time I hear about those Armagnac released by this guy. There have been peated Armagnacs before (I tasted one at a friend release quite some time ago, and the Islay cask influence was quite moderated if not symbolic, so useless for me as it was/I bet the Bhakta has a bit more peat influence, but it can be tricky). I had the Darroze 50 yo (I mean I tried) but it did took a lot of time in the glass to express itself and was a bit frustrating to be honest, especially compared to younger single casks/small batches CS Darroze can create with what they can get hold of...I've yet to open a 27 yo (1986) Domaine de Bertruc to see how it does compared to my stunning 1990 (same domain).
My question now, about the older casks (as I know the practise of stopping the ageing at some point in order not to get overoaked spirit) do you think they really let the oldest vintages of this Bhakta 50 yo in the same casks for a century or more without recasking it one or several times because I really doubt of it...? I know it is a sensitive question I often not seen debated, while I had the answer for some Cognac brands while visiting them & they said "of course" it was recasked after some decades...I'm also wondering about the high age statement Scotches that for instance they release those last years (Macallan, Mortlach or Glenlivet of 75/80/81 yo). Sure it is less glamour to admit that (marketing wise) but I'd like more transparency about these. Besides, very curious about your work with Ironroot which I hope some will be distributed in France some day... Cheers, Chris !
The Bhakta 50-year very very complex but rich layers discovery. You have a very developed tongue, Mr Trevino. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome and thanks for the comment! Cheers!
Just bought a L'encantada tattoo series 2 earlier today. Interested to see what i think of it being finished in Weller barrels. Im more of a whiskey/whisky guy and have yet to have an armagnac finished whiskey that I didnt like so Im hoping it is a good entry bottle into armagnac for a whiskey guy.
Damn!
Long time viewer. Love your content!
And I appreciate your longtime viewership! Cheers! 🥃
Not really into Armagnac, but interesting commentary Chris. Thanks for the review. Cheers All!
I wish the Bhakta 50 wasn't finished in Islay barrels. Seems so unnecessary and takes away from the ultra-aged Armagnac
I’m pretty much with you. Cheers!
You gotta be kidding!