Château du Busca-Maniban armagnacs, distilled for 300 years in Gascony's oldest distillery, continue to be produced using traditional methods. The brandy is aged in oak barrels in the castle cellars. The Ténarèze region, with its clay and limestone soil, is similar to the top growing regions in Cognac where Ugni Blanc is grown. However, Armagnac from Ténarèze ages longer and better. Château du Busca is one of the oldest domaines in Armagnac, with the château itself dating back to 1649. It was built by Thomas de Maniban, a lawyer from Condom, who wanted a prestigious home. According to master blender Alain Royer, the château is the most beautiful 17th century building in the region. The house was built on top of a hill, using the foundation of an 11th century fortified castle and its church. The crypt beneath the altar houses the tombs of the founders and current owners. After being passed down through four generations of the Maniban family, the château was sold to the De Ferron family in 1806. Floriane de Ferron now oversees the house and its 495 acre estate. While the original distillery remains on site, the wines were distilled by a traveling distiller who stayed as long as there was wine to be processed. The oak barrels used at Busca are made from Gascon oak, which has a tighter grain pattern and more tannin compared to those used in Cognac. This particular Armagnac from Busca has a perfect balance of all the elements they seek in an old Armagnac. The aroma presents a rich combination of dried orange peel, bruleed ruby red grapefruit, prunes, honey, walnut, white fudge, sandalwood, and warm baking spices. The palate offers a harmonious blend of fruit, alcohol, and barrel flavors.