The two lovely 1987 and 1990 Armagnac left me wanting more, and I decide to try this older one right after. 1940 whisky releases are quite rare, but as it seems there’s a lot of old Armagnac lying around at good prices. How will a 40’s Armagnac differ than an old 1940’s whisky? let’s see.

Saint Christeau vintage 1940 (bottled 2006) , 40% abv

Nose:  that’s nice. Old wood and an old profile, sweet desert wine, caramel and treacle toffee with ripe red fruit : ripe berries , dried fruit and some mulled wine. Then the wood makes another comeback with spice. Feels old and dignified. Not quite a 1940 whisky but superb.

Palate: quite dry and semi bitter with double espresso and crushed roasted coffee beans. Then we’re off to fruitier realms. Cherries , ripe berries and grape peel.

Finish: old dry wood. Dark chocolate with kirsch and spices. Very long. 

That is a pretty awesome dram, my friends. It’s got that old feeling to it, you know old cask sitting and waiting for 60 years or so, but it’s quite different than a 66 year old whisky, that much I can say. What do I prefer? Well, that is a good question, and depending on the day. I do find most whisky I tried at 66 much woodier (I like it!), but I guess that’s not saying much as I’ve not tried many other Armagnac at that age. I have a few more elderly Armagnac samples to go try very soon.

At any rate, this is top stuff. Delicious.