Nine Leaves - 7 years - 2018 - Small Batch Armagnac - 59%
Nine Leaves 7 years 2018 Small Batch Armagnac 59% is a Japanese rum of great personality, where the precision of distillation meets the depth of aging in Armagnac barrels. The color, a deep amber with coppery reflections, immediately evokes concentration and time. The nose opens with intense notes of plum, dried apricot, and Corinth grape, quickly joined by hints of orange zest, beeswax, and dark honey. In the background, the more vinous and patinated register of Armagnac appears with nuances of polished wood, blond tobacco, and delicate rancio. The cane is suggested in the form of a finely spiced brown sugar, which brings a gourmand framework without heaviness. The whole composes a deep, warm, and remarkably clear bouquet, announcing a rum for tasting in its own right.
On the palate, the 59% presents itself with a confident intensity but superbly integrated, offering a broad and enveloping attack. The substance unfolds on an oily and caressing texture, saturated with dried fruits, prune, fig, and brown caramel, supported by touches of dark chocolate and lightly roasted coffee. The signature of Armagnac is found in notes of plum kernel, patinated oak, and fine spices, which structure the heart of the palate and give it relief. A fresher thread of blood orange, black tea, and mild pepper enlivens the whole and avoids any sensation of easy sweetness. A few drops of water open the profile even more, revealing nuances of roasted hazelnut, vanilla, and balm. The warmth of the alcohol remains controlled, serving length rather than brute strength, and leaves an impression of perfectly tamed power.
The finish, very long and persistent, prolongs the pleasure with notes of roasted fruits, sweet spices, bitter cocoa, and noble wood, with a decidedly Armagnac echo. It is a rum crafted for pure tasting, to be savored in a suitable glass after a few minutes of breathing to allow all the aromatic layers to unfold. It will ideally accompany a dark chocolate with high cocoa content, a dried fruit tart, a dessert with candied citrus, or a finely chosen cigar, in a register of pure contemplation. Its concentrated profile, unique aging, and Small Batch character make it a connoisseur’s bottle, far from standardized profiles and designed for lovers of deeply complex spirits. Each sip tells a long story, the dialogue between cane, wood, and the Gascon imprint of Armagnac barrels. It is an emotional rum, powerful, classy, and meticulously orchestrated, wonderfully illustrating Nine Leaves’ quest for excellence.
This item is limited to 2 units per customer.
