Armagnac

Armagnac is France’s oldest brandy, predating Cognac by at least 150 years, and is celebrated for its artisanal production methods, complex flavours, and deep connection to its rural Gascony homeland. Produced in the southwest of France, Armagnac is a Protected Designation of Origin (AOC) spirit, made under strict regulations that preserve its traditional character.

Armagnac is distilled from white wine made primarily from grapes such as Ugni Blanc, Baco Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard. Unlike Cognac, which is double-distilled in copper pot stills, Armagnac is typically single-distilled in a continuous alembic Armagnacais still. This lower-strength distillation retains more congeners and aromatic compounds, resulting in a spirit with a richer, more rustic profile straight from the still.

Ageing takes place in French oak casks, often from the Gascon forests. The brandy develops complexity over years or decades in barrel, with the interaction between spirit, wood, and oxygen creating notes of dried fruit, spice, vanilla, and rancio (a nutty, oxidative character prized in older expressions). Armagnac is often bottled as a blend, but vintage Armagnac is a signature feature of the region, with single-year releases offering a snapshot of a particular harvest and maturation journey.

Styles and Age Categories
• VS (Very Special) - minimum 1 year in oak.
• VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) - minimum 4 years.
• XO / Hors d’ ge - minimum 10 years, though many producers age for much longer.
• Vintage Armagnac - single harvest bottlings, often matured for 20, 30, or even 50+ years.

The spirit’s richness and depth make it perfect for slow sipping, often after a meal, though younger examples can also be enjoyed in cocktails, such as twists on the Sidecar or Old Fashioned.

Notable Producers

Renowned names include Darroze, Château de Laubade, Delord, Janneau, and Castarède, each bringing their own stylistic approach to blending, cask selection, and ageing.

The Experience

Armagnac offers an authentic taste of Gascony, a spirit still made largely by small, family-run producers who distil once a year after harvest. It’s a drink for those who value craftsmanship, individuality, and the subtlety that comes from long, patient ageing.

Our Armagnac selection spans all styles, from vibrant young bottlings to rare vintage treasures with decades in the cask. Whether you’re discovering France’s original brandy for the first time or seeking a singular gift, Armagnac delivers complexity, heritage, and rustic elegance in every glass.