Three Armagnac houses that we haven’t tried before. We start with Couzard-Lassalle, a Folle Blanche selected as the 5th anniversary release of Armagnac.de. It was selected from the warehouses of Darroze. The name isn’t entirely new, as the same estate is also known under a ‘code name’ Lous Pibous. After production stopped in 2005, casks were split between Darroze and L’Encantada with the agreement to use different names.
Then we have two releases by Authentic Spirits. Téroulet 2003 is a mix of Colombard and Ugni Blanc, aged in a very humid cellar. Mouréou 1988 is 100% Baco grapes, from a family estate in Mauléon-d’Armagnac.
Bas-Armagnac Couzard-Lassalle 20 yo 2005 (49,5%, Armagnac.de 2026, cask #R116)
Nose: very elegant, with fruity hints of apricots, plums and quite a lot of orange peels and marmalade. Some floral honey. Then also plenty of tiny notes, like tobacco, a subtle meaty / roasted hint, some maple syrup and liquorice. Whiffs of leather as well.
Mouth: more fruits. Apricots and orange are holding strong, but there’s also a subtle hint of strawberry bubblegum. Then some herbal honey, along with a drying hint of leather. The oak is quite pronounced, leaving a slightly rustic appearance. Later we’re getting nougat, some pepper, walnuts and more tobacco leaves.
Finish: quite long, with dried herbs, a hint of ginseng, marmalade and leather.
Rustic power but also nice fruity notes, especially oranges. Far less heavy than the Encantada versions I had before. Sold out. Check Armagnac.de for upcoming releases (they usually work with pre-orders).
Bas-Armagnac Mouréou 1988 (45,8%, Authentic Spirits 2026)
Nose: I’m getting an Amontillado vibe, at higher strength. Nice leafy notes and esparto grass, followed by apricots and polished oak. Then some latte with a drop of caramel, nougat and orange peels.
Mouth: quite rustic again. Grapes are still at the center, and rich woody notes are taking up the rest of the profile. Some plums and pears, along with slightly bitter citrus peels. Toffee and ginger bind everything together.
Finish: medium to long, with a nice tart edge, vanilla, plums and oak spice.
This comes accross a little younger than the vintage suggests. Good spirit but missing some sparkle. Available from Authentic Spirits. Score: 87/100
Bas-Armagnac Téroulet 2003 (48,2%, Authentic Spirits 2026)
Nose: slightly darker, with figs and dates on top of the stewed orchard fruits. Citrus peels, as well as some blossomy elements. Then a fresh leathery note, toasted wood and hints of clove oil.
Mouth: quite rich considering the age. A nice fruitiness at its core, with apples, raisins and apricots. It’s honeyed, with a fruit pie character. Well-dosed polished oak, along with a peppery edge, some hazelnut and subtle spearmint.
Finish: medium to long, on slightly jammy orchard fruit, almond and a hint of cedar wood.
Age isn’t everything, I prefer this one, especially if you take the price into account. Just very balanced. Available from Authentic Spirits. Score: 87/100