Dartigalongue 25 Year Armagnac 750ML

Dartigalongue 25 Year Armagnac 750ML is a 25-year-old Bas Armagnac bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) from one of the region's oldest continuously operating houses. This expression earned 97 points and a Chairman's Trophy at the 2017 Ultimate Spirits Competition, and Wine Enthusiast independently awarded it 97 points — a rare double endorsement that places it among the highest-rated Armagnacs at its age statement.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Bas Armagnac, Gascony, France  |  Age: 25 Years  |  Distillery: Armagnac Dartigalongue & Fils, Nogaro

Production & Heritage

Armagnac Dartigalongue & Fils was founded in 1838 in Nogaro, in the heart of the Bas Armagnac appellation — widely considered the most prized sub-region for Armagnac production. The house distills a blend of Baco 22A, Ugni Blanc, and Folle Blanche grapes through a single continuous Armagnac column still, collecting the spirit at 58% ABV. What truly distinguishes this 25-year expression is its maturation: approximately 90% Gascogne oak rather than the more commonly used Limousin oak, a choice that imparts more pronounced spice character and a distinctive regional fingerprint to the final spirit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with deep amber warmth carrying vanilla, toffee, and a wave of fruitcake laden with dried fruits and Christmas spices. Underneath, there are hints of caramel and a subtle woodiness suggestive of old library shelves.

Taste: The palate entry is rich and generous, with cocoa powder and crushed walnut leading into intensifying fruitcake notes at mid-palate. Burnt caramel and roasted nuts merge with licorice as the Gascogne oak asserts its spicy influence, while the alcohol integrates seamlessly across the full progression.

Finish: The finish is long and lip-smacking, closing with candied ginger heat and lingering toffee. There is a persistent warmth that recalls roasted nuts and dark spice well after the last sip.

How to Drink Dartigalongue 25 Year

A spirit of this age and complexity is best appreciated neat in a tulip-shaped glass at room temperature; a few drops of water can open up the dried fruit and spice layers. Beyond neat sipping, the 25 Year works remarkably well in spirit-forward cocktails where its depth can anchor the drink.

• Vieux Carré: The burnt caramel and walnut notes stand up to sweet vermouth and Bénédictine without being overshadowed.
• Sidecar (Armagnac variation): The fruitcake richness pairs naturally with Cointreau and fresh lemon, adding gravitas to this classic template.
• Sazerac (Armagnac base): The Gascogne oak spice mirrors the cocktail's Peychaud's bitters beautifully, creating a layered, aromatic drink.

Best For

• Gifting a brandy enthusiast who appreciates aged, award-winning French spirits
• After-dinner contemplative sipping alongside dark chocolate or dessert
• Building a collection of benchmark Bas Armagnac expressions
• Celebrating a milestone anniversary — particularly a 25th

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Dartigalongue 25 Year taste like? It delivers a rich, layered profile dominated by fruitcake, burnt caramel, cocoa powder, roasted nuts, and licorice, finishing with a warm candied ginger spice from 25 years in predominantly Gascogne oak.

How does Dartigalongue 25 Year compare to Delord 25 Hors d'Age Bas Armagnac? Both are 25-year Bas Armagnacs that have scored 97 points from major critics and occupy a similar price tier. Dartigalongue leans into dried fruit and Gascogne oak spice, while Delord tends toward a bolder oak-forward profile with espresso and toffee characteristics.

Is Dartigalongue 25 Year good for sipping neat? Absolutely — its 40% ABV is approachable, and the 25 years of aging have produced a smooth, integrated spirit that rewards slow, contemplative tasting without needing any dilution.

Where is Dartigalongue 25 Year made? It is produced by Armagnac Dartigalongue & Fils in Nogaro, located in the Bas Armagnac sub-region of Gascony in southwestern France. The house has operated from this location since its founding in 1838.

What foods pair well with Dartigalongue 25 Year? Rich dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and caramel notes. Roquefort or aged Comté cheese mirrors the spirit's nutty depth. Tarte Tatin draws out the caramelized fruit character. Foie gras on toasted brioche matches the Armagnac's unctuous texture. Walnut cake echoes the crushed walnut flavors found on the palate.

What sizes does Dartigalongue 25 Year come in? The standard commercially available size is the 750ml bottle.

Is Dartigalongue 25 Year worth the price? It positions as a premium aged Armagnac, and dual 97-point scores from the Ultimate Spirits Competition and Wine Enthusiast suggest it punches well above many competitors at its price tier — strong value for a quarter-century-old French brandy.

Why Dartigalongue 25 Year?

The combination of dual 97-point ratings, a 25-year age statement, and maturation in predominantly Gascogne oak makes this expression genuinely rare in the Armagnac category. Dartigalongue's decision to use 90% regional Gascogne oak — rather than defaulting to Limousin — produces a spice-driven character that sets it apart from nearly every peer at this age. The house's 185-plus-year history in Nogaro and its commitment to traditional column-still distillation from a three-grape blend of Baco 22A, Ugni Blanc, and Folle Blanche root this bottling firmly in Bas Armagnac tradition. For anyone exploring aged Armagnac seriously, this is a benchmark expression that has earned critical validation to match its heritage.