So L’Encantada is a group of blending hunter-gatherer types with a reputation of unearthing casks from closed or obscure distilleries (or something along those lines, brandy is still very new to me). This bottling comes from five single vintage casks: Domaine Lassalle 1983 -barrel #13 Domaine Castillion 1988 -barrel #8 Domaine Lassalle 1991 - barrel #11 Domaine De Bellair 1998 - barrel #7 Domaine De Bellair 1999 - barrel #141 Labeled as “barrel raw” (no sugar, water, coloring) and cask strength (though still under 90 proof) this blend generated 1980 bottles. It’s not clear to me when these casks were dumped or how brandy/Armagnac continues to mature in a storage tun but 21-37yo elixir will top the charts at being the oldest spirit I’ve had the privilege of consuming. The pour appears to be downright viscous. The color is a beautiful light copper. The nose… there’s a lot. Heavy, rich and sweet. Musty grapes, oranges, pears, strawberry preserves and milk chocolate alongside dusty library book funk and light tannic oak notes. There is an almost nutty/funky Oloroso note as well. Bright oranges and heavily tannic on entry with bits of lemon zest, raspberry and plenty of oak. Not as oily as the appearance in the glass but still coating. No heat to speak of. Long finish with bits of bright fruit, tannic (just shy of bitter) oak and bits of blonde espresso and cacao in the distant background. Floral and black tea notes also come out minutes later. Compared to what… my experience again is limited. It really reminds me of the nearly metallic cognac elements of Joseph Magnus triple cask finished and has less overall sweetness and tobacco than Chateau Labaude. Also less chocolate than Pierre Ferrand double cask. This just tastes, and is, older but older how I do not know. I can’t imagine this has been living in a barrel since 1983 but it wouldn’t really surprise me if that was the case. I like this very, very much - but I do not love it. Like other hyper-aged spirits the tannic elements are a bit out of balance and I miss the sweetness that, as an American, I so often experience. I hold this in the highest regard and the price seems fair but I [might] not buy another.