Limited Edition Bottle
April 10, 2020Discovering Armagnac: A Close Cousin of Whiskey.
For whiskey enthusiasts seeking to expand their horizons within the world of premium spirits,
Armagnac presents a decadent and gratifying experience. The venerable French brandy o ers
many of the same virtues as whiskey - complexity, depth, and adherence to craftsmanship -
with certain subtleties that set it apart. If you appreciate a richly aged single malt or full
bodied bourbon, the time is right to discover why Armagnac deserves its place in your
portfolio.
France's oldest brandy, Armagnac, is made in the region of Gascony and is traditionally
distilled and aged to highlight its robust, earthy flavor. Unlike more commercial Cognac,
Armagnac is usually distilled only once, which allows it to preserve more of the complex flavors of its grapes. This creates a spirit that is denser and with a texture that will appeal to
whiskey lovers.
Armagnac village - lagraulet du gers
Flavor Profiles Whiskey Drinkers Will Appreciate
If you like the following whiskey styles, here's how Armagnac compares
- Single Malt Scotch – The rich fruit concentration, spice, and earthy undertones of aged Armagnac are reminiscent of the complexity of the sherry cask Scotch whiskies.
- Bourbon – Fans of full-bodied, caramelized bourbon will enjoy the vanilla, dried fruit, and toasted oak notes of aged Armagnac.
- Rye Whiskey – If you enjoy the spice and herbal flavors of rye, you'll appreciate some Armagnacs with strong pepper, cinnamon, and earthy flavors to your taste.
Armagnac flavor palette
How to Appreciate Armagnac as a Whiskey Connoisseur
Just like whiskey, Armagnac can be enjoyed in the following ways:
- Neat – Pour in a tulip glass to intensify its aromas.
- In a Tasting Flight – Try multiple vintages and aging methods to appreciate its complexity.
- As a Cocktail Base – Combine Armagnac with traditional whiskey cocktails such as the Old Fashioned or Manhattan for a luxurious twist.
Manhattan Cocktail
tulip glasses - @spiritedcapture
Top Armagnac Brands for Whiskey Connoisseurs
If you're a whiskey enthusiast wanting to try something di erent, Armagnac is a treasure trove of depth and character - a delight to sip, mix, or simply discover with.
- Cardinal du Four 21 Rébellion – This provides a lengthy luxurious complexity of flavors, combination of dried fruit, salted caramel, pastry and toasted spice notes making it perfect for sipping. An excellent Armagnac for whiskey enthusiasts.
- Château de Laubade – Renowned for its full-bodied, vintage styles sure to please Scotch lovers.
- Dartigalongue – Renowned for its robust, complex Armagnacs that can stand up to premium bourbons.
- Delord – A family-owned, traditional distillery producing classic, full-bodied Armagnacs with great depth of character.
- Jean Cavé – tasting notes vary according to the type of Armagnac, dried fruit, spice and toasted almond with full, round tannins.
Where to Buy Quality Armagnac
It's easier than ever to buy great Armagnac online. Check out these reputable retailers:
- Specialty Liquor Stores – Many carry a carefully curated selection of high-end brandies such as Remedy Liquors (http://bit.ly/40D3f4E ), Wally’s ( https://bit.ly/3Q2sxof ), Total ( https://bit.ly/4jI6dOa ).
- Online Retailers – Online sites such as Reserve Bar, Flaviar and Speakeasy Company o er a broad selection.
- Direct from Producers – A few Armagnac producers sell directly to the consumer, with limited bottlings.
Conclusion
For the whiskey drinker looking to expand their portfolio, Armagnac o ers a strong, relatively untapped option with rich tradition and a flavor profile capable of holding its own against the
greatest single malts and bourbons. Enjoyed neat, blended into a sophisticated cocktails, or explored through aged vintage varieties, Armagnac is a journey very much worth taking.
