Armagnac, Nismes-Delclou VSOP
Nismes-Declou is an Armagnac brand owned by the Castarede family. The regulations for an Armagnac stipulate that a VSOP Armagnac is made from a blend of eaux-de-vie of which the youngest has been aged for at least 4 years in oak. In practice, the Armagnac houses can use older Armagnacs to bring in a richer taste. This VSOP has a mean age of eight years and the youngest eaux-de-vie is six years old. So Nismes-Declou has brought some older stock to give it more taste. The ABV is 40% which is normal for Armagnac. Colour: Light amber Smell: Sweet dried fruits and grapes. Taste: Dried fruits with some spice Aftertaste: Long lasting with hints of spices A good VSOP. In comparison with the XO I would choose the XO, but then the XO cost 45% more than the VSOP.