Castarede XO Armagnac 750ML 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. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Bas-Armagnac, France | Minimum 20 Years Old | Distillery: Castarède (est. 1832) Production & Heritage Founded 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. Tasting Notes Aroma: 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. Taste: 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. Finish: 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. How to Drink Castarede XO Neat 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. Vieux Carré: The plum and spice depth stands up to rye whiskey and sweet vermouth, adding an earthy French dimension to this New Orleans classic. Sidecar (Armagnac variation): Substituting Castarede XO for Cognac delivers richer fruit character and a longer, spicier finish against the Cointreau and lemon. D'Artagnan: An Armagnac-specific cocktail with Grand Marnier, orange juice, and sparkling wine where the aged complexity shines through the effervescence. Best For Gifting a spirits enthusiast looking beyond Cognac After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a fine cigar Building a collection anchored by a benchmark Bas-Armagnac Celebrating a milestone with a spirit whose age matches the gravity of the occasion Frequently Asked Questions What does Castarede XO taste like? 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. How does Castarede XO compare to Delord XO Armagnac? 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. Is Castarede XO good for sipping neat? 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. Where is Castarede XO made? 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. What foods pair well with Castarede XO? 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. What sizes does Castarede XO come in? The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression. Is Castarede XO worth the price? 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. Why Castarede XO? Few 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.
