Founded in 1882 by their great grandfather, Pierre and Philippe Samalens proudly carry on the company's family traditions and quality. They are considered specialists of the Appellation Armagnac. They exclusively distil wines from the best soils of the Bas Armagnac, in particular the small area known as Grand Bas Armagnac.
The greatest armagnac comes from the Bas Armagnac, a small plain between the rugged Pyrénées mountains and the vast forests of the Landes. Here the sand and clay soil provide the base wines with the necessary acidity and bouquet to ensure a perfect distillation, a mellow but fruity and strong spirit that rounds with slow aging. Its connoisseurs included King Henri IV of France, poet Francois Villon and d'Artagnan, the captain of the king's musketeers.
While there are similarities between armagnac and cognac, both being brandies, the differences are pronounced. Over 20 times more cognac is sold each year than armagnac, with four major cognac producers dominating the market. Armagnac on the other hand is closer to being a craft industry, with small producers creating varied products with individual character, akin to single malt whisky distilleries.
Bas Armagnac VSOP
Produced from the very best wines of the Bas Armagnac region of France, through a carefully watched distillation in copper alembics (stills), some of which were built in the 19th century. Two separate methods of distillation are used. 70% is Armagnac alembic, distillation by continuous jet to release the character and perfumes of fruit and flowers. 30% is Charente alembic, double distillation to add finesse, mellowness and lightness.
The resulting new Bas Armagnac, colourless and perfumed, is "lodged" in 400 litre casks made of Gascony oak. It is these casks that provide the aging armagnac its colour and body.
LCBO # 110668 $60.80
