B Gelas et Fils, 1931 Armagnac
1931 Vieil Armagnac
Bottle size: 75cl
ABV: 40%
Price:
£995.00
Description
The 1931 B. Gelas et Fils Vieil Armagnac is an extraordinary and historic spirit, distilled in the heart of Gascony during one of the most challenging economic periods of the 20th century. Gelas, a family house founded in 1865, is renowned for crafting Armagnacs of exceptional purity, depth, and age-worthiness. This 1931 vintage, now over 90 years old, has spent decades in oak casks before careful bottling, resulting in a rare and profoundly complex expression of Bas Armagnac—an irreplaceable piece of French distilling heritage.
In the glass, it reveals a deep, lustrous mahogany hue with flashes of amber and copper, a visual testament to its long, slow maturation. The nose is intensely aromatic and layered, offering notes of dried apricot, fig, and prune alongside rich tones of vanilla pod, cocoa, and polished oak. Secondary aromas of pipe tobacco, leather, roasted nuts, and warm baking spice add further complexity, while a delicate rancio character provides an elegant, aged charm.
On the palate, the 1931 B. Gelas et Fils is powerful yet incredibly refined. Concentrated flavours of dried fruits, caramelised orange peel, and toffee are perfectly balanced by a savoury backbone of walnut, cedar, and a whisper of truffle. The texture is unctuous and mouth-coating, yet lifted by a gentle freshness that prevents any heaviness. At 90+ years of age, the integration of spirit, fruit, oak, and time is seamless, leading to an exceptionally long, warming finish that resonates with spice, cocoa, and toasted almond.
This is a spirit to be savoured slowly and respectfully, ideally served neat in a tulip glass at room temperature to allow its intricate aromatics to unfold. Perfect for marking life’s most significant milestones, it also makes a peerless gift for serious collectors. The 1931 B. Gelas et Fils Vieil Armagnac is not just a drink—it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a liquid time capsule from the golden age of artisanal Gascon distillation.
Condition
Excellent
