There is a saying in France when comparing Cognac to Armagnac and Calvados; Cognac is a city girl, Armagnac and Calvados are country girls.  That is a nice way of saying that the former is smoother, silkier and gentler whereas the other two are a bit rougher but also more challenging.  As a rule, I would agree and I would also say that there are times and places for both to be enjoyed.

This July 4^th holiday was an excellent time to enjoy a good cigar and a twenty-five-year-old Bas-Armagnac by Delord (also under the Marie Duffau label).  Bas-Armagnac is a region of France and the Delord family has been producing excellent Armagnacs since 1875.

I read a review of this vintage, and it went as follows:

The nose is biscuity, caramel-like, cream Sherry-like with a touch of cheese-like rancio. The palate entry tastes like bittersweet dark chocolate, cocoa butter, chocolate-covered raisins and dark honey; the midpalate is fruity and less bittersweet than the entry, making for a succulent aftertaste. A genuine classic.

I am sure that to an individual with a fine nose and a cultured pallet, this might make sense, but, being the simple soul that I am, I would sum this excellent vintage as being smooth, silky with a wonderful smell that makes one want to slow down and enjoy.  With a good cigar ( I chose an AVO Classic), and cradling the Armagnac in a cut crystal brandy snifter, one must slow down and enjoy those precious quiet moments.

I am always satisfied with a vintage with the Delord label, and I recommend with ease.  Enjoy!