Dartigalongue XO 10 Year Armagnac (750ml)

Armagnac from the Gascony region of southwest France, this expression from Dartigalongue & Fils is a pot-still brandy aged for a minimum of ten years in oak. Armagnac differs from its better-known Cognac cousin in method and terroir: it's traditionally distilled once rather than twice, and the region's sandy soils and Atlantic influence produce spirits with their own distinct character. The ten-year aging in wood is marked by the XO classification, indicating a minimum age that allows the spirit to develop complexity while retaining the fruit-forward character the region is known for.

Expect a brandy with warm spice notes, dried stone fruit, and subtle wood influence that complements rather than overwhelms. The palate shows good structure and weight, with the extended aging contributing depth without drying the finish. Armagnac of this age and character works equally well sipped neat at room temperature, served in a snifter, or used as a base for traditional brandy cocktails.