Explosive proof, decadent dessert notes, and near-perfect balance—one of the best spirits I’ve ever tasted.
About Oade
“This is our journey. And we’re honored to share it with you— one barrel at a time.” – Oade
Founded in 2023 by Dan Hakker after a 20-year tech career, OADE stems from a decade of exploring distilleries worldwide. A first taste of Armagnac in 2018 sparked a fascination with the spirit’s complexity, individuality, and centuries-old traditions—leading Dan and his wife Robyn to Gascony and a mission to share these rare expressions with the United States.
OADE works directly with small, family-run producers, selecting rare casks on-site during trips to France. Every release is single-barrel, cask strength, and bottled with no additives, preserving the cellar’s original character. Each bottling is chosen for quality, uniqueness, and sense of place, celebrating Armagnac as a living time capsule shaped by people, land, and time.
What stands out about OADE is its emphasis on community and relationships. Dan’s ability to build genuine connections with producers brings Armagnacs that would otherwise never reach the U.S., at remarkably accessible prices. This speaks as much to the quality of the spirit as to the integrity of the person behind it.
What is Armagnac?
Armagnac is a French brandy from southwest France, distilled from wine and aged in oak. While ten regional grapes are permitted, nearly 99% of Armagnac comes from Baco, Ugni Blanc, Colombard, and Folle Blanche.
Its flavor and structure are shaped by grape variety, terroir, vintage, distillation quality, oak, aging conditions, and—most importantly—time in barrel.
Traditionally distilled in column stills and produced mostly by small estates, Armagnac offers deeper fruit, earthier spice, and individuality compared with other brandies, especially at older ages.
About the Producer – Domaine du Cardinat
Domaine du Cardinat is a small, family-owned estate in Sarragachies, Bas-Armagnac, with roots dating back to the late 19th century. Founded by Joseph Lalanne, the domaine was shaped by his son Camille, who planted the first vines in 1935 and stewarded the land for more than 70 years, selling quietly by word of mouth.
Today, the five-hectare estate is run by Camille’s daughter Patricia Singh and her husband Malkeet Singh. After returning from corporate careers in the late 2000s, Patricia oversees the vineyards while Malkeet manages the cellar.
All grapes are estate-grown and distilled on-site using a traditional mobile alembic, with each vintage aging first in new oak before moving to older barrels. Annual production is extremely limited—around five barrels per year—allowing for meticulous, hands-on care from harvest through bottling.
Stats
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Blackberry and maple syrup open the glass, followed by cinnamon roll icing, cherry blossom, and cherry wood.
- Palate: The proof explodes briefly before quickly settling. Layers of toffee, brown butter, and custard unfold with impressive depth.
- Finish: Bold white pepper heat meets hazelnut sweetness. Long-lasting with candied spearmint and a touch of bitter hoppiness.
- Presentation: Clean OADE logo; sample-only release.
One of the best things I’ve ever drank.
My only critique is a hint of acidity and bitterness on the finish—but even that doesn’t come close to overshadowing how complete and thrilling this pour is.
Value & Transparency
At just over $250, this bottle may give many whiskey drinkers pause—and that’s fair. But a quick look at the market for 37-year-old Armagnac quickly reframes the price. Comparable releases at this age often cost the same or significantly more, frequently at half the proof.
More broadly, OADE Armagnac consistently releases spirits that land at half to a quarter the cost of similarly aged Armagnacs from major houses. By working directly with small, family-run producers rarely seen in the U.S., OADE creates a true win-win—bringing exceptional, long-aged Armagnac to collectors while giving long-overdue visibility to the producers behind them
Distinctiveness
At over 120 proof—likely the highest-proof Armagnac ever released in the U.S. — this release already occupies rare air. Combine that with its age, quality, and intensity, and it becomes something genuinely singular within the category.
Fulfill the Dream expresses its uniqueness through flavor rather than proof: explosive entry, layered toffee, brown butter, and custard, followed by bold white pepper heat, hazelnut sweetness, and a long, candied-spearmint finish with a touch of bitterness.
Buy if:
- You want a layered, expressive Armagnac with custard, brown butter, and candied notes.
- You enjoy high-proof spirits that maintain balance and elegance.
- You’re chasing one of the most memorable Armagnacs you’ve ever tasted.
Skip if:
- You dislike acidity or a hint of bitter spice on the finish.
- You prefer very soft, low-proof, or overly mild spirits.
For those who prefer numbers, here’s the full score breakdown:
- Nose: 6.7 / 7
- Palate: 6.6 / 7
- Finish: 6.5 / 7
- Presentation: N/A
- Value: 5.5 / 7
- Transparency: 7 / 7
- Distinctiveness: 7 / 7
Bourbon Bishop Rating: 6.55 / 7 – Divine
Out-of-this-world. A true unicorn.
| Score | Descriptor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1 | Hell No | Drain pour. Seriously undrinkable |
| 1.1–2 | Purgatory | Bad, but could be worse. Only in extreme cases. |
| 2.1–3 | Only Earthly | Just okay. Best used as a mixer. |
| 3.1–4 | Bliss | Passable sipper. Works well in cocktails. |
| 4.1–5 | Angelic | Good to great. High value for the price. |
| 5.1–6 | Divine | Top-shelf. Must-buy for fans of the style. |
| 6.1–7 | Holy Heaven | Out-of-this-world. A true unicorn. |
Disclosure: This sample was provided to me free of charge for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
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