Dartigalongue Vintage 1952 70 Year Old Bas Armagnac

40% ABV, 750 ml, bottled in 2022

The oldest house in Bas Armagnac, the Dartigalongue family began to distill in 1813. In 1838, Pascal Dartigalongue founded the first Maison d'Armagnac in Nogaro, the heart of the Bas Armagnac region. In 1870 son Joseph acquired a large vineyard in Salles d'Armagnac near Nogaro.

The Dartigalongue Vintage 1952 70-Year-Old Bas Armagnac offers a remarkable and nuanced drinking experience rooted in the historic Dartigalongue house. Aged for seven decades, this expression reflects the artistry of traditional Armagnac production and maturation. It opens with complex and enticing aromas of dried fruits and spices, reminiscent of holiday fruitcake and old leather-bound books. Subtle notes of cedar, allspice, and a hint of cocoa add warmth to the bouquet.

On the palate, you’ll find layers of dark fruit, nutmeg, and licorice, evolving to reveal additional textures like candied orange peel and a gentle smokiness, creating a balance between sweet, earthy, and spicy tones. The finish is long, graceful, and smooth, leaving a legacy of oak, spices, and a subtle rancio effect, a characteristic found in exceptionally aged spirits. This rare vintage embodies Dartigalongue's commitment to the heritage of Bas Armagnac and is ideal for connoisseurs seeking a taste of history.

Many notable events happened in 1952, including:

• Hydrogen bomb: The United States tested the first hydrogen bomb, codenamed "Mike", at Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
• Dwight D. Eisenhower: Eisenhower was elected president, defeating Adlai Stevenson. He later traveled to Korea to help end the Korean War.
• Elizabeth II: Elizabeth II was proclaimed Queen of the United Kingdom at St. James's Palace.
• The Great Smog of London: A toxic fog covered London for five days, killing thousands of people. The smog was caused by a combination of industrial pollution and high-pressure weather conditions.
• Ann Davison: Davison became the first woman to sail across the Atlantic Ocean alone.
• The Diary of Anne Frank: The book was published.
• Mr Potato Head: The first Mr Potato Head toy was created.
• Airbag: The airbag was invented.
• Polio vaccination: The first polio vaccination was used.
• Roll-on deodorant: Roll-on deodorants were invented.
• Hovercraft: The hovercraft was invented.
• The Mousetrap: The murder mystery play by Agatha Christie opened in London.
• Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer: The U.S. Supreme Court limited the President's power to seize private businesses.
• Santa Teresa Church tragedy: 50 people were trampled to death in the Basilica of St. Teresa in Caracas, Venezuela.