BHAKTA 50 Armagnac Barrel 3

A little background

BHAKTA 50 is a deeply aged blend of 8 rare Armagnac vintages ranging from 50-152 years old that have been finished in Islay whisky casks. That’s correct, BHAKTA 50 is an  Armagnac, not a whiskey! Why would Whiskey Consensus be reviewing something that’s not a whiskey you ask? Well, we find there to be many amazing qualities in this spirit and love the fact that it’s been finished in Islay whisky casks! Seriously, you’re going to love it. Additionally, it’s older than any whiskey on the market today; making it a truly unique experience! This review is of BHAKTA 50 Barrel 3: Pendragon, which includes vintages from 1868, 1897, 1939, 1946, 1952, 1963, 1964, and 1970. This bottle of BHAKTA 50 Armagnac is bottled at 90 proof and has a retail price of $299.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Dark Copper/Orange

Nose

Caramel, vanilla, orange, and dried candied fruit dominate the most. Along with more subtle notes of sweet buttered rum. The nose doesn’t jump out of the glass and is a tad nondescript. However, if you take your time and work for it, some incredible unique notes come through.

Palate

Burnt wood with a waxy quality. Notes of apricots and cinnamon come through after the spirit opens up a bit, along with a smooth creaminess of egg custard.

Finish

The finish is incredibly complex with huge waves of flavor. What starts as orange and cherry is quickly overtaken by loads of burnt aged oak. The finish is a tad bit drying, but in a good way. Minty oak notes are left behind and leave your mouth eager for another sip.

In closing

It’s not every day you get to sip such an incredible piece of history, or is it?  BHAKTA 50-Year-Old Brand is 100% Armagnac and like nothing else on the market today. The complexity of this spirit is truly an experience all in itself and the flavors are amazing. Put me in a comfortable chair with a glass of BHAKTA 50 and a fine cigar and I’ll be a happy man. If you’ve not yet put a foot into the world of brandy and Armagnac, BHAKTA 50 would be an incredible place to start.