Armagnac, one of the worlds oldest and most characterful brandies, imparts deep complexity when used as a finishing caskinfusing bourbon with notes of dried fruit, burnt sugar, clove, and tobacco. To complement these bold, spicy-fruity characteristics, the BCS blending team carefully selected bourbon barrels that would both harmonize with and amplify the Armagnac cask influence. The result is a bourbon that is robust yet elegant, with layers of flavorsfrom dried plum and dark toffee to warm vanillaculminating in a long, lingering finish.

Nose:A quick burst of pineapple belies an otherwise dark and brooding nose. Potting soil, cola, and grape soda recall the finishing casks former contents. But a generous helping of caraway, pumpernickel, ginger beer, and menthol make sure you know youre drinking bourbon. An array of dried fruits and various nuts coalesce into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Palate: Syrupy sweetness and bold spice are kept in check by some sandy tannin and the heat of its cask-strength. That residual sugar makes every flavor feel like a liqueur — pithy orange, hazelnut, black walnut. Tobacco and chocolate covered espresso beans mirror the darkness of the nose and almost obscure a fresh pop of watermelon.

Finish: Clove and oolong tea arent out of place in the finish of a bourbon or an Armagnac. Whats notable though is how the sticky sweetness of dried plum and pecan pie clings to the palate alongside the lingering richness of custard.