The K&L Brandies

Since the beginning of their brandy program back in 2012, K&L has brought in a lot of French brandy, much of which is hard to find anywhere else in the U.S. David Othenin-Gerard just got back from France, so hopefully there will be more to come. I thought it might be handy to list out some of the domaines I've really enjoyed from the

K&L brandy program

Chateau de Pellehaut

Type: Armagnac

Region: Tenareze

Grapes: Folle Blanche

Vintages: 1973, 1978, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2001

K&L seems to get a steady stream from this Tenareze house including multiple ages from some of these vintages. These are some of my favorite brandies and they tend to be very consistent with a characteristic balance of fruit and spice. I especially like the 1990s bottles.

Domaine de Baraillon

Type: Armagnac

Region: Bas Armagnac

Grapes: Baco/Ugni Blanc and Folle Blanche

Vintages: 10 yo, 1893, 1933, 1974, 1976, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1995, 2003

More than any other spirit, Baraillon made me a brandy drinker. They are a bit more inconsistent than Pellehaut and sometimes they need a lot of air, but at their best, they are unrivaled and full of spicy/earthy goodness. I particularly like the '70s and '80s vintages and tend to prefer the Baco/Ugni blends to the Folle Blanche.

Chateau de la Grangerie

Type: Armagnac

Region: Tenareze

Grapes: Ugni Blanc

Vintages: 1964, 1993, 1994, 2000, 2001, 2005

Grangerie was most popular for the very affordable 50 year old from 1964, but my favorites have been the stuff from the 2000s. This is one of the few brandies I prefer young.

Cardinat

Type: Armagnac

Region: Bas Armagnac

Grapes: Folle Blanche, Colombard, Baco, Ugni Blanc

Vintages: 1981, 1987, 1992

There were only three of these, but man were they good...and different, from the oak monster 1981 to the spicy/earthy 1992. I hope there will be more one day (hint, hint).

Domaine de Pouchegu

Type: Armagnac

Region: Tenareze

Grapes: Baco

Expressions: 1986

There was only one bottle from this domaine which is no longer in production, but it was fantastic - spicy/fruity/oaky and very complex. A real bourbon lover's brandy. I was excited to hear that there will be a few more coming in soon.

Domaine de Jean Bon

Type: Armagnac

Region: Bas Armagnac

Grapes: Baco

Vintages: 1974, 1979, 1987, 1990, 1995, 1999

These were nice and fruity.