Welcome to another episode of “That’s Not Bourbon!” compliments of a blinded sample from @contemplativefox ;) Rich, red-amber in color. Viscous, appearance in the glass. This seems like a heavy, luxury dram. Velvety. Rum - no. At first I thought I got molasses but it has more ester to it - beyond banana. Armagnac? There is a big wine influence with stewed red and black fruit alongside some nutty rancio, bit of musty oak and tad of leather. Elements of an antique cigar box. My labrador sitting next to me wont stop sniffing the air. What a wonderful blend of funky, musty wood and over-ripe esters. I am pretty sure there is an incredibly faint anise note on the tail end, just enough to keep it interesting. I cannot age this reliably but would be amazed if this spent less than 20 years in French oak. Maybe American? Definitely making this up as I go along daydreaming of cool cellars, dim light and generations of handcraft spirit. Heavy but not overly viscous. Big oak notes with bitter walnuts, pumpkin bread, allspice, clove, nutmeg, cedar, bits of bakers chocolate, pure vanilla, orange rind and light caramel. I feel like slipping into a red velvet robe and instantly growing a beard. Perhaps afterword I would step onto my balcony and gaze off at snow capped mountains while rolling a cigar on the railing. Again, none of this makes sense but it doesn’t really have to. Delord 1981. Hot damn. This has existed roughly as long as I have - a strange feeling indeed. Never mind that. The empty glass eludes notes of leather, musk and caramel. I owe a big thank you to @contemplativefox for sharing this pour and helping me experience what I believe the kids are calling “big mood” (possibly already outdated but it works).