Armagnac: The Basics

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What You Need To Know

When giving the basics of Armagnac, I must address the most commonly asked question that I am posed with concerning Armagnac. “What is the difference between Cognac and Armagnac?” Armagnac is the lesser-known cousin to Cognac. Armagnac is much older, as a truly identified brandy-producing region, than is Cognac. The primary flavor difference is derived from the fact that Armagnac (traditionally) is single distilled as opposed to the double distilled technique used in Cognac. Each time you distill a particular spirit you refine it and make it softer but you also strip away flavor and aroma. Armagnac uses a variety of grapes; Bacco, Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc, and Colombard. Cognac is comprised of roughly 98% Ugni Blanc. The soils and climate differ, as Armagnac is sandy and warm while Cognac is chalky and cooler. Many subtler, and not so subtle differences remain. I recommend keeping both Cognac and Armagnac in your drink cabinet. When you desire a subtle, delicate brandy reach for Cognac; when you desire a robust, assertive, decadent style reach for Armagnac.

The Experts Rap

Buying Armagnac can be tricky as there is a world of difference, in matters of taste, between traditional Armagnac and the blended (sometimes double distilled) commercial examples that we most often see in the US. Single distilled Armagnac is, in my view, the only true Armagnac. The single distillation produces a richer, meatier, hearty spirit that should not be drunk young. Many producers of traditional Armagnac would never release their goods until they have reached thier tenth birthday. Armagnac labeled as VS, VSOP, XO, and so on (as is common with Cognac) is most likely not traditional Armagnac that is customarily vintage dated. Also beware of Armagnac bottled at 40% strength as “true” Armagnac is typically bottled at natural strength (44% to 49% is common). Do keep in mind that these buying rules that I have just laid out are generalizations and there are examples of blended and reduced Armagnac that is very tasty indeed and can easily hold the interest of the most serious Armagnac enthusiast. Consult the Tasting Notes section for more clarity in this regard.

When and How

I have always associated Armagnac with the colder months of the year. I know that I have just made many of my Armagnac producing friends cringe by saying this but it’s true, for me anyway. The rich, generous, complex flavors of Armagnac will warm you on the coldest of nights. When enjoying Armagnac be sure to open the bottle and pour the glasses a good 15 minutes before drinking. Armagnac is greatly improved by allowing it to breathe. Give it a vigorous swirl in the glass as well as this will hasten the aeration of the spirit. Don’t be stuck just drinking Armagnac by itself; I also like it with dark chocolate, roasted nuts, marzipan, and toffee. Get the full rap on Armagnac here.