Armagnac
Like Cognac, Armagnac is grape brandy made in a particular region in France, though this region is a bit further to the south. Armagnac uses the same grapes as Cognac, plus the addition of baco blanc. More notably, Armagnac is not pot distilled but rather is distilled in column stills, and it is only distilled once instead of twice. Because of these factors, Armagnac is typically a bit less fruity and more floral than Cognac. Armagnac uses similar VS/VSOP/XO designations for age as Cognac.
Top Armagnac Posts:
What’s the Difference Between Cognac and Armagnac?
Chateau du Tariquet Armagnacs – Blanche, VS Classique, VSOP, XO, and 1993 Vintage
Marquis de Montesquiou Armagnac VSOP and XO
Good armagnac can be elusive, but Single de Samalens makes a compelling case for its revival. This armagnac is “single distillery, single grape” — Samalens is 100% ugni blanc, aged 8 years — and is designed to be dry (like whisky) instead of sweet. Sure enough, Single de Samalens has an intensely woody character, not…
Arguably the oldest spirit-making region in France, Armagnac is Cognac’s bigger, sometimes crueler brother. Armagnac is located just a bit south of the Cognac region in western France, and like Cognac, it is the home — and the only home — of a distilled spirit that bears its name. Like cognac (the spirit), armagnac brandy…