Giard 1973 Amateur Spirit 44.5%

GIARD 1973 AMATEUR SPIRIT 44.5%

From Manoir de Montreuil with patine

I have a soft spot for the 1973 vintage with cognacs; it often delivers balance and charm, so I’ve got a good feeling for that one, even if it’s calvados. I had already tasted an OB bottling from this estate and kept a good memory of it. Let’s see how this selection by Amateur Spirits performs.

Colour: Dark amber with orange lights. Irregular heavy tears.

Nose: Full of exotic tones at first. Slightly rum-like, even recalling some Fijian profiles. Subtle caramelized notes of tarte Tatin. A touch of esters, almost as if a few drops of Savanna had slipped in. Cinnamon and pomme d’amour, with fresh waxy shades on acacia honey.

Palate: Striking honeyed tones right from the start. A delicious interplay of rich honey and verbena. Bourbon vanilla and zan in the aftertaste. Outrageously delicious. Caramelized orange zest, Ceylon tea, eucalyptus, and finishing on a gentle white pepper lift.

Last Notes: Precious wood notes and light malted shades. Beautiful dry citrus on bergamot and yuzu. Subtle nuttiness on amaretto. Back on the palate, caramelized apple and balsamic nuances appear. The finish brings licorice and a hint of resinous freshness, almost like sapinette (a French pine-needle liqueur).

A full-bodied, precise and vibrant Pays d’Auge Calvados. Impeccably balanced between sweetness, freshness and structure. Love it.

My very subjective note: 89+/100

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Cheers Loris!