A pair of Yaks (i.e. Armagnacs and Cognacs) that have been distilled during World War II is on the agenda today. It is a shorty, but we have to get back in rhythm.

Charles de Squeyre Vieille Reserve 1944 (42%): A ‘new’ Domaine for me. Nose: Very sweet and concentrated with pears and pear juice, apple vinegar, dates, sour cherries that have turned sweet over time, clearly licorice, an undefinable syrup, allspice, nutmeg and wood. Very odd juice, closer to extremely old and dry Sherry than to anything else. Palate: Gorp (read nuts and raisins, i.e. that old Sherry again), sweet bramble berry, those cherries, licorice, leather, wood and despite the pleasant bitterness, more sweet fruity notes. Really odd, but good. Finish: Long, bitter, astringent and woody with walnuts, coffee, leather and oranges. Cool stuff, but in a blind tasting that probably wouldn’t have been an Armagnac for me. Rather a Spanish Brandy or Sherry. (88/100)

Sempé 1943/1994 (40%): I neither know where this hails from, nor if it spent the entire 50 years in a barrel. Nose: There are quite a few similarities with the Charles de Squeyre 1944. My main impressions are plums, almonds, chocolate chips, pistachios, leather, ethereal oils, fortified wine, Rum-soaked raisins, cherries and dates. Not too bad. Palate: Black Forest cake, marzipan, almonds, a mix of nuts, wood (but not too much, making me think it rested in a Demijohn), ginger- and banana bread, oak and spices. While it is thinner than the Charles de Squeyre, its flavour profile is a bit more to my liking. Finish: Long and rich with cherries, alcohol-filled chocolates, plums and oak. More than just solid stuff, but still not “Yak” to me. Or maybe we simply have to rethink this era. (89/100)