Comtes de Cadignan Bas Armagnac XO NV

From Gascony, in the southwest, Armagnac is France's oldest brandy, dating back over 700 years. In the Middle Ages, it was known for its medicinal properties (!) and has been exported around the globe since the 16th century. While Cognac, always double-distilled, is known for its smoothness and polish, Armagnac is single-distilled, nearly always from small family producers and tends to be more artisanal and deliciously quirky. The finest are from the Bas-Armagnac, where you'll find the Goudoulin family estate. The XO level must be aged for at least 10 years, most of that in barrel, to ensure layers of complex toasty vanilla-spice flavours. With lovely warming aromas of cinnamon, hints of apricot and raisin, it's an Armagnac to savour.