Castarède Blanche d'Armagnac (75cl, 40%)

A clear, unaged Armagnac from Maison Castarède, bottled straight from the still without any time in barrel. It comes from Gascony, and skipping oak gives a cleaner, clearer spirit with vibrant, fruit-forward character. Castarède is based in Bas-Armagnac and was founded in 1832. This Blanche d'Armagnac is smoother and rounder than most eaux-de-vie, yet still potent at 40%, and its clean, fruity intensity suits it to cocktails. The nose is big, funky and fruity. The palate is bold and fruit-driven with a robust spirituous warmth, and the finish is long and brawny.