{"title":"Larressingle","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"larressingle-vsop-armagnac-750ml","title":"Larressingle VSOP Armagnac 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLarressingle VSOP Armagnac 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 40% ABV blended Armagnac drawn from Bas Armagnac and Ténarèze stocks aged a minimum of eight years. Awarded 92 points by Wine Enthusiast, this expression significantly exceeds the VSOP legal minimum of five years, delivering a depth uncommon at its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Bas Armagnac \u0026amp; Ténarèze, Gascony, France  |  VSOP (8+ Year Blend)  |  Distillery: Château de Larressingle\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChâteau de Larressingle draws its name from the medieval fortified village of Larressingle in Gascony, one of the historic hearts of Armagnac production. The VSOP is assembled from cross-vintage lots of Ugni Blanc and Folle Blanche grapes, with 80% of the blend undergoing the region's traditional single continuous column distillation and 20% double-distilled to contribute a lighter, more refined texture. Extended oak barrel aging well beyond the regulatory minimum knits these components together, yielding a brandy that balances rustic Gascon character with approachable smoothness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark amber in the glass, the nose opens with sweet vanilla bean and caramel before shifting into dried fig, cocoa powder, and a smoky undercurrent reminiscent of stewed prunes. A subtle floral lift from the Folle Blanche component keeps the bouquet lively.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is soft and inviting, with an immediate wave of baking spice—cinnamon, nutmeg, and a flash of black pepper. The mid-palate broadens into bold toffee and mocha tones tempered by lemon peel astringency, giving the sweetness structure. Plum and vanilla weave through the heavier oak influence as the palate reaches its peak.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long and lingering, with clove, dusty cocoa powder, and a mellow warmth that fades gradually. A gentle smokiness and residual vanilla hold through the exit, leaving a spicy, satisfying close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Larressingle VSOP\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeat in a tulip glass at room temperature is the most rewarding serve, allowing the layered oak and dried fruit notes to open fully; a few drops of water can soften the spice and lift the floral elements. For cocktails, consider a \u003cstrong\u003eSidecar\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the prune and toffee depth adds richness against Cointreau and lemon; a \u003cstrong\u003eVieux Carré\u003c\/strong\u003e, in which the smoky Armagnac character stands up to rye and sweet vermouth; or an \u003cstrong\u003eArmagnac Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the baking spice and citrus peel notes amplify the cocktail's balance of sweet and tart.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a whiskey drinker to the world of Armagnac\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or dried fruit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a brandy enthusiast who appreciates aged French spirits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a home bar's Armagnac foundation at a strong value-to-quality ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Larressingle VSOP taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with caramel and baking spice, moving into toffee, mocha, and plum at the mid-palate, then closes with clove, cocoa powder, and lingering vanilla on a mellow, smoky finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Larressingle VSOP compare to D'Ussé VSOP Cognac?\u003c\/strong\u003e Larressingle VSOP is an Armagnac rather than a Cognac, blended from stocks aged at least eight years versus D'Ussé's four-and-a-half-year minimum, and employs predominantly single column distillation for a fuller, more rustic profile. Reviewers have noted that Larressingle delivers considerably more flavor complexity at a comparable price point.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Larressingle VSOP good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its 40% ABV, extended aging, and layered dried fruit and spice character make it well suited to neat drinking, especially in a tulip or snifter glass at room temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Larressingle VSOP made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced at Château de Larressingle in the Gascony region of southwestern France, using grapes and aging stocks sourced from the Bas Armagnac and Ténarèze appellations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Larressingle VSOP?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and toffee notes; aged Comté or Ossau-Iraty cheese echoes the nutty oak tones; dried figs or prunes mirror the brandys fruit character; duck confit or foie gras matches the smoky richness; and pecan tart aligns with the vanilla and baking spice finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Larressingle VSOP come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard retail size is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Larressingle VSOP worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Positioned as an affordable entry into quality Armagnac, it delivers 8+ year aged complexity and a 92-point Wine Enthusiast rating at a price that undercuts many comparable VSOP Cognacs, making it one of the stronger values in the brandy category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Larressingle VSOP?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe decision to age every component a minimum of eight years—well beyond the five-year VSOP requirement—gives this blend a maturity that many competitors at the same tier simply do not achieve. Its 92-point Wine Enthusiast score, Silver medals at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards, and the 2025 New York International Spirits Competition all validate its consistency across vintages. The 80\/20 split between single and double distillation is a deliberate stylistic choice: the column-distilled majority preserves Gascony's bold, fruit-forward terroir, while the pot-distilled fraction adds finesse and a silky mid-palate. For drinkers looking beyond Cognac for serious French brandy with genuine regional identity, this remains one of the most compelling bottles in its class.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Larressingle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836692885673,"sku":"23127","price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/larressingle_vsop__52173.jpg?v=1730466716"},{"product_id":"larressingle-xo-armagnac-750ml","title":"Larressingle XO Armagnac 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLarressingle XO Armagnac 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 15- to 20-year-aged Armagnac from Gascony, France, bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Awarded 94 points by Wine Enthusiast, this XO expression blends spirit from two of the most respected Armagnac sub-regions — Ténarèze and Bas-Armagnac — into a rich, full-bodied brandy that far exceeds the legal minimum aging requirement for the XO designation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 43%  |  Origin: Gascony, France  |  Aged 15-20 Years (XO)  |  Distillery: Larressingle\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLarressingle draws its name from one of the smallest fortified villages in France, located in the heart of Gascony's Armagnac country. The house distills white wines produced from Folle Blanche, Picquepoult, and Saint Emilion (Ugni Blanc) grapes — a traditional blend of varietals tied to the region's identity. The XO bottling uses a cuvée composed of approximately 70% Ténarèze spirit and 30% Bas-Armagnac spirit, aged between 15 and 20 years in 400-liter Monlezun oak barrels. Monlezun oak, sourced locally in Gascony, imparts a distinctive tannic structure and spice character that differentiates Armagnac maturation from Cognac's more common Limousin and Tronçais oak aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with creamy vanilla and caramel before revealing layers of dried apricot, prune, and toasted nut. A subtle undercurrent of cocoa and warm spice emerges as the brandy breathes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e A round, supple entry gives way to a smooth, fruit-forward mid-palate loaded with toffee, dried stone fruit, and caramel. At its peak, cocoa and baking spice — particularly nutmeg and allspice — assert themselves alongside a balancing pepperiness that keeps the sweetness in check. The full body carries real weight without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and graceful, fading through ribbons of cocoa, vanilla, and cigar box. Lingering sparks of allspice and treacle hold on well after the sip, a hallmark of extended oak aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Larressingle XO\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Armagnac is best appreciated neat in a tulip glass at room temperature, where its aromatic complexity can fully develop. A few drops of water can open up additional fruit and spice nuances. For cocktail use, try a \u003cstrong\u003eVieux Carré\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the dried fruit and spice depth adds Gascon character to the rye-and-vermouth backbone. A \u003cstrong\u003eSidecar\u003c\/strong\u003e made with Larressingle XO trades the typical Cognac brightness for richer toffee and oak tones. It also works well in a \u003cstrong\u003eBrandy Alexander\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its cocoa and vanilla notes amplify the dessert-cocktail profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a brandy enthusiast looking to explore beyond Cognac\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or aged cheese\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a home bar with serious, age-stated French brandy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing Armagnac to whisky drinkers accustomed to oak-driven spirits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Larressingle XO taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Larressingle XO delivers a full-bodied profile dominated by toffee, dried apricot, and cocoa, with balancing notes of pepper, nutmeg, and allspice throughout a long, graceful finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Larressingle XO compare to Prince D'Arignac XO?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are blended XO Armagnacs, but Larressingle XO is aged 15-20 years in Monlezun oak versus the minimum 10-year requirement, resulting in deeper complexity and a more pronounced spice and cocoa character. Prince D'Arignac XO typically positions at a lower price point and presents a lighter, more approachable profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Larressingle XO good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — the 15-20 years of barrel maturation produce a smooth, layered brandy with enough depth and a long enough finish to reward slow, contemplative sipping without any need for mixers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Larressingle XO made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Larressingle XO is produced in Gascony in southwestern France, drawing spirit from the Ténarèze and Bas-Armagnac sub-regions, two of the three officially recognized Armagnac production zones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Larressingle XO?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and vanilla notes. Roquefort or aged Comté cheese mirrors the brandy's richness. Duck confit or foie gras from the same Gascon region creates a natural regional pairing. Tarte Tatin or crème brûlée echo its caramel and dried fruit character. Walnuts or roasted almonds pick up on the nutty aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Larressingle XO come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Larressingle XO Armagnac is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Larressingle XO worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Larressingle XO positions as a mid-premium Armagnac that significantly over-delivers on age for its tier — 15-20 years of maturation at this price point is difficult to match in Cognac, making it a strong value proposition for aged French brandy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Larressingle XO?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining advantage here is time in wood. At 15-20 years of aging in locally sourced Monlezun oak, Larressingle XO carries substantially more maturity than the 10-year minimum the XO designation requires — a fact reflected in its 94-point Wine Enthusiast score. The 70\/30 Ténarèze-to-Bas-Armagnac blend strikes a deliberate balance between the structured, spice-driven character of Ténarèze and the fruit-forward elegance of Bas-Armagnac. For drinkers who find Cognac too polished or predictable, this bottling represents the rustic depth and regional authenticity that has kept Armagnac as Gascony's most celebrated spirit for centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Larressingle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836692951209,"sku":"23128","price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/larressingle_xo__27863.jpg?v=1730466719"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/larressingle.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}