{"title":"Castarede","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"castarede-reserve-de-la-famille-20-year-750ml","title":"Castarede Reserve de la Famille 20 Year 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCastarede Reserve de la Famille 20 Year 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Bas-Armagnac brandy aged a minimum of twenty years, bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml format. Awarded 94 points by \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e, this expression represents the flagship family reserve from the oldest armagnac trading house in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Bas-Armagnac, Gascony, France  |  20-Year Minimum Age Statement  |  Distillery: Maison Castarède (Est. 1832)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaison Castarède was founded in 1832, making it the oldest continuously operating armagnac trading house in recorded history. The Reserve de la Famille undergoes single continuous distillation through a traditional Armagnac-type alembic, drawing from a blend of Ugni Blanc, Colombard, and Folle Blanche grapes — three classic Bas-Armagnac varietals. What truly distinguishes this bottling is its maturation: a minimum of twenty years in hand-coopered Monlezun oak casks, a local wood prized for its tighter grain and higher tannin concentration compared to the more common French Limousin oak. That tighter grain slows the extraction process, yielding a more gradual, nuanced integration of wood and spirit over two decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with soft orange peel and delicate blossom before giving way to warm clove and cardamom. Beneath those spice tones, ripe stone fruit, chewy leather, and cinnamon create a rich, layered bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate arrives with roasted coffee, butterscotch, and vanilla, underpinned by a creamy honey sweetness. Mid-palate, juicy citrus emerges and is checked by a distinctive wasabi-like rancio — a hallmark of genuine long-aged armagnac. The balance between sweetness and that dry, oxidative rancio character keeps each sip from tipping in either direction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and sweetly tapering, with lingering caramel and a faint echo of toasted oak. The Monlezun cask influence shows in a fine, dry tannic grip that carries the finish well past the final sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Reserve de la Famille\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis armagnac is best appreciated neat or with a few drops of water to open the rancio and fruit complexity; a tulip-shaped snifter at room temperature will concentrate the aromatics. For cocktails, it brings unusual depth: try it in a \u003cstrong\u003eSidecar\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its citrus and butterscotch notes mirror the Cointreau and lemon; in a \u003cstrong\u003eVieux Carré\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its rancio character stands up to sweet vermouth and Bénédictine; or in a \u003cstrong\u003eSazerac\u003c\/strong\u003e variation, substituting armagnac for rye to showcase the spirit's natural spice and honey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a brandy or whisky enthusiast seeking something outside the usual single malt or cognac\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner contemplation alongside dark chocolate or a fine cigar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a spirits collection with a benchmark Bas-Armagnac expression\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarking a milestone anniversary — the twenty-year age statement lends natural symbolism\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Reserve de la Famille taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with roasted coffee, butterscotch, and vanilla before a distinctive rancio — a dry, almost wasabi-like oxidative note — emerges alongside juicy citrus. The finish is long, sweet, and caramel-driven with fine oak tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Reserve de la Famille compare to Delord XO Armagnac?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are respected Bas-Armagnac expressions, but the Castarède carries a stated minimum of twenty years in Monlezun oak, whereas the Delord XO uses a broader blend of ages without a specific minimum year count. The Castarède's Monlezun oak maturation also tends to yield a more tannic, slowly developed profile compared to the Delord's Limousin-influenced character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Reserve de la Famille good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — with two decades of cask maturation at a smooth 40% ABV, it is purpose-built for slow, contemplative neat drinking. A few drops of water can further unlock the rancio and dried-fruit layers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Reserve de la Famille made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Maison Castarède in the Bas-Armagnac sub-region of Gascony, southwestern France. Bas-Armagnac is widely considered the finest terroir for armagnac production due to its sandy soils and ideal grape-growing conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Reserve de la Famille?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles complement the butterscotch and coffee notes; aged Comté or Roquefort cheese balances the spirit's sweetness with savory fat; duck confit mirrors Gascon tradition; dried figs or dates echo the ripe fruit on the nose; and crème brûlée reinforces the caramel and vanilla on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Reserve de la Famille come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard retail size is a 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Reserve de la Famille worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a premium expression within the armagnac category, competing directly with well-aged cognacs and single-cask whiskies at comparable price points. The twenty-year minimum age statement, rare Monlezun oak maturation, and 94-point \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e rating reflect genuine substance behind the asking price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Reserve de la Famille?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery few armagnacs spend a full two decades in Monlezun oak — a local cask type that most producers abandoned in favor of easier-to-source Limousin — and that commitment to traditional cooperage gives the Reserve de la Famille a tannin structure and depth that cannot be replicated with standard French oak. Maison Castarède's status as the oldest armagnac house, established in 1832, is not a marketing tagline but a matter of historical record. The 94-point \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e rating places it among the highest-scoring aged armagnacs available at this tier. For drinkers accustomed to single malt Scotch or aged cognac, this bottling offers a different axis of complexity — one rooted in rancio, Gascon terroir, and nearly two centuries of unbroken tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Castarede","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837836423337,"sku":"2333","price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Castarede-Reserve-de-la-Famille-20-Year__95195.jpg?v=1730496854"},{"product_id":"castarede-xo-armagnac-750ml","title":"Castarede XO Armagnac 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCastarede XO Armagnac 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 40% ABV Bas-Armagnac aged a minimum of 20 years — double the decade required by XO regulations. Named World's Best Armagnac at the World Armagnac Awards in both 2017 and 2020, and awarded 96 points by Wine Enthusiast, this expression from France's oldest Armagnac trading house sets a benchmark for the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Bas-Armagnac, France  |  Minimum 20 Years Old  |  Distillery: Castarède (est. 1832)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFounded in 1832, Castarède holds the distinction of being the oldest Armagnac trading house in continuous operation. The XO is distilled once through a traditional continuous copper column still — the alembic armagnacais — from a blend of 50% Ugni Blanc, 30% Colombard, and 20% Folle Blanche grapes sourced from Bas-Armagnac, widely considered the region's finest terroir. What truly separates this expression is its maturation: a minimum of 20 years in hand-coopered Monlezun oak casks, a tightly grained local wood richer in tannins than the Limousin oak commonly used in Cognac production. The result is a spirit with exceptional structural depth that reflects both place and patience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with layered intensity — glazed ripe plums and candied fruit give way to prune, tobacco leaf, and sweet vanilla. Underneath, warm spice notes of nutmeg and cinnamon emerge alongside toasted oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate entry is soft and rounded, with mashed raisins, ripe mango, and peach yielding to a rich mid-palate of cocoa, coffee, and bitter orange. At peak, the Monlezun oak asserts itself with structured tannins and a spiced warmth that adds complexity without harshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is deliciously long and spicy, with lingering cinnamon, icing sugar sweetness, and dried fruit. A subtle tobacco-and-oak dryness anchors the close, carrying well past expectation for a 40% ABV spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Castarede XO\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeat in a tulip glass at room temperature is the definitive serve — two decades of aging deserve unhurried attention, and a few minutes of air open the aromatics considerably. A small splash of water can further reveal the fruit-forward middle notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVieux Carré:\u003c\/strong\u003e The plum and spice depth stands up to rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, adding an earthy French dimension to this New Orleans classic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSidecar (Armagnac variation):\u003c\/strong\u003e Substituting Castarede XO for Cognac delivers richer fruit character and a longer, spicier finish against the Cointreau and lemon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eD'Artagnan:\u003c\/strong\u003e An Armagnac-specific cocktail with Grand Marnier, orange juice, and sparkling wine where the aged complexity shines through the effervescence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a spirits enthusiast looking beyond Cognac\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a fine cigar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a collection anchored by a benchmark Bas-Armagnac\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebrating a milestone with a spirit whose age matches the gravity of the occasion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Castarede XO taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Castarede XO delivers rich layers of glazed plum, raisin, cocoa, and coffee with prominent cinnamon spice, all supported by structured Monlezun oak tannins. The finish is notably long with dried fruit and tobacco undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Castarede XO compare to Delord XO Armagnac?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are highly regarded Bas-Armagnac XO expressions, each earning 96 points from Wine Enthusiast. Castarede XO ages a minimum of 20 years in Monlezun oak rather than Limousin, which tends to produce a spicier, more tannic profile compared to Delord's somewhat rounder, fruit-forward character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Castarede XO good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — with a minimum of 20 years in cask and pronounced complexity across fruit, spice, and oak, this Armagnac is tailor-made for contemplative neat sipping in a tulip or snifter glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Castarede XO made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Castarede XO is produced by the Castarède house, founded in 1832 and located in the Bas-Armagnac sub-region of Gascony in southwestern France. Bas-Armagnac's sandy soils are considered the finest terroir in the appellation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Castarede XO?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and coffee notes; tarte Tatin or baked apple desserts echo the candied fruit aromatics; aged Comté cheese mirrors the nutty oak character; duck confit aligns with the Gascon heritage and spice profile; and roasted walnuts bring out the tannic structure of the Monlezun oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Castarede XO come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Castarede XO worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Castarede XO positions as a premium Armagnac that significantly over-delivers on age — with a minimum 20-year maturation in rare Monlezun oak, a 96-point Wine Enthusiast rating, and two World's Best Armagnac titles, it represents strong value relative to comparably aged Cognacs and single-vintage Armagnacs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Castarede XO?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew spirits at this tier deliver 20-plus years of genuine cask maturation from a house with nearly two centuries of unbroken operation. The use of Monlezun oak — a regional wood rarely seen outside Armagnac production — gives Castarede XO a tannic spine and spice signature that Limousin-aged spirits simply cannot replicate. Winning World's Best Armagnac in both 2017 and 2020 confirms consistency across multiple blend years, not a single lucky barrel. For anyone exploring what Bas-Armagnac can achieve at full maturity, this is one of the most credible entry points into the upper echelon of the category.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Castarede","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837886656681,"sku":"33983","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Castarede-XO-Armagnac__04192.jpg?v=1730498606"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/castarede.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}