CDI Secret (Bottled for Denmark) 2004

Compagnie des Indes bottled this Nicaragua Secret for the Danish market, a single cask 2004 vintage finished in Armagnac wood and presented at full cask strength. The French house is known for terroir-led, natural single casks, and this twelve year old shows that approach taken to a high-octane extreme.

Column distilled from molasses and finished in Armagnac at a powerful 66%, it is mineral and woody on the nose with a clear Armagnac and barrel influence, then turns warm and tannic on the palate with cherry wood and Amarena-like cherry, cinnamon and burnt oak. Despite the considerable strength it reads round and well integrated rather than aggressive. The Armagnac finish lends a brandied, dark fruit depth over the Nicaraguan spirit. A formidable but cohesive cask strength single cask for experienced drinkers who want power, cherry and a strong wine-cask character.