Marie Duffau Napoléon Armagnac

I was semi-surprised to find this higher rated than the Marie Duffau Hors d'Age, but while younger, it does have some decent complexity with just a bit less finesse. The nose has some apple notes, oak and a bit of stone fruit, thinking apricot. The palate features nutmeg, oak, vanilla and is a bit oily. You can tell it's a bit of a young brandy. The finish has a light burn and pepper notes, similar to the Hors d'Age. The value is there for this bottle, so I can see people favoring this one over the Hors d'Age, but I still would go with the latter. In the end, both bottles are great introductions to the category of Armagnacs.

Nose is strong oak and grapes. Sherry, raisin and honey. Sweet and warm on the palate, more raisin with brown sugar. Not complex but has a nice lingering finish. Can't beat the price either!

Intense french oak spice, sawdust, some astringency, dried apricots, touch of vanilla coming off the upper palate, herbal & earthiness, red plum, fresh fig, creamy, floral dew, hint of candied orange peel, apple butter, sultanas, sharp lemon rounds out the finish. Well aged as indicated by the Napoleon designation. The terroir/grape varietal is more pronounced here than in cognac. Fig, apple butter and plum linger awhile. Would pair well with a cigar. Unfortunately it's inconsistent.

Great for the price. Fruity with a late wood note. Rich and smooth.