Hontambere 1985 - Grape of the Art -
Taken at Roche Bobois Stuttgart
New year, new Armagnac. Welcome to the freshest rabbit, pulled out of the hat by GOTA (a.k.a. the crazy pack from Stuttgart). Hontambère, that means "fountain most far" in old Gascon is located in Ténarèze with a most beautiful château and a is led by Cindy and the ingenious distiller Sylvain. This cask originated from the (already legendary) barrel stock of Domaine Pouchégu, which tragically had to stop producing for good when their great distiller Pierre Laporte passed away. Let's dedicate this review to him!
Nose
Mon Dieu, nous definitely ne regrettons rien! Imagine a beautiful and fruity perfume born out of a love affair between an Uitvlugt Demerara rum and an old Willet Rye (an amour fou par excellence). We smell all kinds of glues, fresh and dried mangoes, the darkest cherries, cedar wood, lovely raspberries and vanilla pods. Plus some green bananas and jasmin blossoms. A flamboyant Dries van Noten dress at the Fashion Week almost! We're always so gravitated by these tropical, glue-y scents.
Palate
Flamboyant indeed! One must transfer many red colours into super sweet and fruity flavours, which are hitting the palate after the first sip. Obviously sultanas, cherries of a black forest cake, raspberries and exotic figs and dates. Plus a very pleasant wood note, but nicely integrated, indicating some fine bitter chocolate. Sweetness and woodiness in balance. Cask strength? Feels smooth and mellow. Add a heavy body and oily texture and dessert is ready.
Finish
Put on Pink Floyds record "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and listen to the end. You will still taste it. Those who know, know.
Rating
Yeah yeah yeah, quiet! We are personally involved in this wicked business and shall not praise our own stuff (and we won't, promised!). So better don't buy this. It's ugly. It's dark and morally reprehensible, heretical even! Any ideas on how we can make this even more not touted? Let's praise the lovely folks of Rare Armagnac Collection by Hontambere instead who secured this piece of history and provided it to the general public and community (with us just being the grateful vessel).
