Nose

Complex, intense, pungent dark treacle, huge spices and an Armagnac rancio of dark pruney fruit. Tart citrus, dark chocolate, coffee, dusty violets and thick, well-behaved oak.

Palate

Light and elegant with juicy, chunky, raisinated Armagnac fruit. So succulent with leather, tobacco, smoke and violets. Drying dark chocolaty tannins come through on the middle.\n

Finish

Intense, herbal marc-like notes and eye-wateringly, biting, bitter chocolate. Treacle and restrained oak balance.\n

Comment

Monstrous but elegant and complex. What would it have been like at cask strength?!