Duc de Loussac - Vieil Armagnac 1935 Brut de Fût 40% alc by vol 750ml with Single OWC

Technical report: Duc de Loussac Vieil Armagnac 1935

A liquid testimony from the pre-war era

The Duc de Loussac Vieil Armagnac 1935 is not just a spirit, but a monument to Armagnac history. This bottling represents a bygone era of distilling and ageing and is one of the world's absolute rarities. Its origin from the House of Samalens, one of the oldest and most renowned Armagnac houses, guarantees the highest quality craftsmanship and authenticity.

1 The House of Samalens & Duc de Loussac:

• Origin:Founded in 1882, the House of Samalens in Labastide d'Armagnac (Bas-Armagnac) is synonymous with premium Armagnac. The name "Duc de Loussac" is one of its prestigious brands, often reserved for particularly old and exquisite bottlings.

• Tradition:Samalens maintains the tradition of small, continuous Alambic-Armagnacais distillation and attaches great importance to the selection of vines (mainly Ugni Blanc, Baco, Folle Blanche) and the art of barrel ageing.

• Reputation: Renownedfor the elegance, balance and exceptional longevity of their Armagnacs. Their old "Vieil Armagnac" bottlings are sought-after collector's items.

2 Armagnac 1935 & its significance:

• Historical context:distilled in the interwar period, just before the Second World War and the decline of many Armagnac domains. Only what was optimally stored in deep, cool cellars (chais) survived.

• Ageing period:"Vieil Armagnac" usually refers to a minimum ageing period of 10 years, but this is a gross understatement. This Armagnac matured for over 65 years in Gascony oak barrels. The "part des Anges" (evaporation loss) is enormous - often over 70% of the original volume. What remains is highly concentrated essence.

• Extreme rarity:Bottles from the 1930s are extremely rare. A 1935 vintage is a sensation. Availability is almost non-existent; finds are mostly one-offs at top auctions or in private collections.

3. sensory profile (based on house style, similar to old Samalens bottlings & expert reports):

• Colour:Very deep dark brown, playing into black, with amber edges. Extremely viscous, forms extremely slow, thick tears ("legs").

• Nose (aroma): An overwhelming, complex and deep aromatic palette, dominated by tertiary and "rancio" notes:

  • Intense rancio: walnut, hazelnut, ripe mimolette/parmesan bark, truffle, damp cellar soil, mushrooms.

  • Dried fruit & jams: plum jam, prunes, dried figs, date confectionery, candied cherries, orange peel jam.

  • Wood & botanicals: Old mahogany, sandalwood, cedarwood, tobacco leaves, fine leather upholstery, wax (beeswax, candle wax).

  • Spices & depths: liquorice, clove, delicate pepper notes, dark cocoa, mocha, a mineral-smoky undercurrent.

  • Undertones: Dried rose petals, autumn leaves, a hint of tar or medicinal tincture (at its best).

• Palate (flavour):

  • Texture: full-bodied, immensely oily-silky and velvety. The alcohol warmth is practically imperceptible, perfectly integrated.

  • Flavour:An explosion of concentrated aromas: ripe dried fruit melds with intense nut and cheese rancio notes. Noble woody spices (sandalwood, cedar), liquorice and dark chocolate emerge. The mineral, earthy depth and an elegant, smoky flavour are characteristic. The acidity is only noticeable as a structure-preserving framework.

  • Balance: Absolute, almost mystical harmony and roundness. All elements are completely fused together.

• Finish:Extremely long, practically endless. Leaves deep impressions of walnut, truffle, old wood, delicate caramel, liquorice and a warming spiciness that lingers for a long time.

4. special features & tasting notes:

• Style:Embodies the timeless elegance and deep complexity of the best old Bas-Armagnacs from Samalens. Despite its enormous age and intensity, it remains surprisingly lively and structured.

• Drinking temperature: Room temperature (18-20°C). Never chill or add ice! A tulip brandy glass is essential.

• Tasting:Requires absolute calm and time. Swirl several times and leave to rest for a long time (10+ minutes). Small sips, left in the mouth for a long time. A spirit for the contemplative hour.

• Serving recommendation:Exclusively neat as a meditation drink or the crowning finale to an exceptional menu. Harmonises with a fine cigar (e.g. Cohiba Siglo VI, Partagás Serie D No. 4), whereby the Armagnac retains the dominant role.

5. rating & market:

• Quality:An absolute world-class spirit and a jewel of Armagnac history. Represents the highest level of the art of ageing, with unrivalled depth, complexity and length.

• Rarity & value:Extremely rare. It is traded almost exclusively at high-calibre auctions (e.g. Sotheby's, Christie's) or among collectors. It is not only a luxury item, but also an important investment and collector's item.

• Target group:Highly specialised collectors, investors and connoisseurs who are looking for the ultimate experience of historic, perfectly crafted spirits and are prepared to spend the corresponding sums of money.

6. critical notes & risks:

• Provenance is everything:For a 1935, unbroken, perfect storage (cool, dark, constant temperature/humidity) for almost 90 years is the absolute prerequisite. Any loss of fill level (below shoulder level), cloudy appearance or lack of documentation drastically reduces value and enjoyment.

• Authenticity:The risk of counterfeit or relabelled bottles is high, and expertise from a recognised expert or purchase via renowned auction houses is strongly recommended.

• Flavour:The extreme rancio and earthy/medicinal notes are an acquired taste. For inexperienced palates, it can be overpowering or even inaccessible.

• Bottle condition: Corks may be porous. Professional regrouping may be necessary, but is risky and reduces value.

Conclusion:

The Duc de Loussac Vieil Armagnac 1935 from Samalens is more than just a brandy - it is a liquid museum exhibit and one of the greatest rarities in the world of spirits. It offers a sensory journey into a bygone era and demonstrates the incredible ability of Armagnac to mature and transform under perfect conditions. Its depth, complexity and length are breathtaking and set standards. For collectors and connoisseurs, it represents the Holy Grail, the acquisition or tasting of which is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Its price and extreme rarity make it an object for an exclusive elite. A true "Duc" (duke) among spirits.