Armagnac is still one of France’s best kept secrets, often overshadowed by cognac, considering its comparatively small overall volume of production and the fact it’s predominantly crafted by smaller producers.

From the Armagnac region of Gascony, in the south-west of France, it’s France’s oldest brandy, and the oldest spirit in the world to be still distilled. Whereas cognac is well-known for being refined, armagnac is typically more nuanced with earthy complexity, typically distilled just once (rather than twice, as with cognac) to retain its richness, intensity and individuality.

Today many armagnac houses remain small, family-run and protective of tradition. Though starkly differing flavour profiles can be found, from youthful, vibrant expressions through to long-aged armagnacs with

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