Château de Laubade is about to launch a US exclusive 698-bottle release of an “Eau de Vie de Vin d’Armagnac” finished in an Ex Bourbon barrel. “The Traveling Barrel” is the second opus of Laubade “L’Unique” series. This collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company will be available in June 2021 in select US markets only (NY, NJ, Wash DC, MA, IL, TN, KY, CA and WA).
“L’Unique, The Traveling Barrel” is a blend of two 8-year-old Bas Armagnac single casks of Baco and Ugni Blanc grape varietals, finished in one ex-Bourbon barrel for 8 months. In 2018, an emptied barrel was shipped from Laubade, Armagnac – France, to Bardstown Bourbon Company in Kentucky where it was used for maturing Bourbon. In 2020, this barrel was then shipped back home to conclude its transatlantic journey and give an incomparable finish to the Bas Armagnac.
Creation:
– Blend of 2 Bas Armagnac Single Casks of Baco and Ugni Blanc, both single distilled in 2011 in the house’s “Armagnacais” column still and aged for 8 years in Gascony Oak barrels.
– The two Casks were then blended and transferred for 8 months in the “Traveling Barrel”.
– Non chill filtered / no additive.
– Bottled at 48.4% ABV.
“The Traveling Barrel”: Made of Gascony Oak (black oak) selected in the surrounding forests, this barrel has been ageing Bas Armagnacs at Chateau de Laubade for more than 45 years (it has first welcomed a lot of Baco varietal form the 1975 distillation campaign!).
This barrel was then used by Bardstown Bourbon Company to age an exceptional 12-year-old Indiana Bourbon for 18 months (mash bill: Corn 75%, Rye 21%, Malted Barley 4%).
“Eau de Vie de Vin”:
Even though « L’unique » is a blend of two single cask Bas Armagnacs, the spirit does not carry the Bas Armagnac designation as the regulatory bureau has yet to make a clear decision on the types of oak that can be used for such finishes.
Traditions & Innovation:
“Everything started in 1974, when our grandfather, Maurice Lesgourgues, discovered Château de Laubade: it was love at first sight. He knew straight away that all the conditions were gathered here to produce the best Armagnacs: a Chateau filled with history, a unique “terroir” in Bas Armagnac and brandies remarkably well kept.” – Denis Lesgourgues, Owner.
To be awarded “Spirit of the Year 2020” by the Revue des Vins de France is a true recognition of the Lesgourgues family’s commitment for 3 generations to produce the finest Bas Armagnacs. Established in 1870 and under the family’s ownership since 1974, Chateau de Laubade sets itself apart with a completely integrated production, from its sustainably farmed vineyard to the final product.
Despite being strong proponents of Gascony traditions, Chateau de Laubade also promotes a philosophy of innovation and modernity in its production techniques. Since 2019 and after the release of “Les Curiosités” in France (limited releases of Bas Armagnacs finished in French Whisky, Martinique Agricole Rhum or Sauternes barrels) and of the first batch of “L’Unique” series in the US (480 bottles of a Bas Armagnac finished in French Single Malt Whisky Cask), Chateau de Laubade has been experimenting new ways to glorify its Bas Armagnacs in barrels of high quality and very specific characteristics.
“L’Unique the Traveling Barrel comes as a celebration of the long friendship between France and the United States, as a collaboration between two regions with very strong history and traditions in distilling and producing outstanding brown spirits” said Denis Lesgourgues.
“With a charming amber color, this new expression offers an elegant and gourmet nose, balancing floral and dried fruits aromas with a hint of light spices. The palate is delightfully round with well integrated oak tannins and candied fruit notes. Rancio aromas come next carrying a great concentration and a remarkable length.”
Francois Laura, Cellar Master – Master Blender.