What Does Armagnac Taste Like?

If you’re searching for a wholly adult way to unwind, nothing is comparable to sipping on and savoring brandy. What you might not know, however, is that there are actually numerous different types of brandy.

You’ve probably heard of cognac, but have you ever heard of Armagnac? If you haven’t, you’re in the right place.

In this post, we’ll describe what Armagnac tastes like to you. We’ll also take a quick and flavorful dive into a little background information on this little-known drink.

What Does Armagnac Taste Like?

The taste of Armagnac can vary dramatically depending on the exact kind you’re drinking. It’s hard to apply a description that fits across the board because of how unique each bottle can be.

Overall, though, you can anticipate a full-bodied and well-rounded taste from each sip. Take the time to truly savor each taste and you may notice a sophisticated mosaic of flavors, including a pronounced fruitiness and spice.

In some Armagnacs, you may also detect traces of woodiness. This makes sense, given that the beverage is aged for years in oak barrels.

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How Do You Enjoy Armagnac?

It’s no secret that some types of liqueur are best enjoyed a very particular way. If you want the best experience from your Armagnac, you can’t just dump it into any glass and drink it at any time.

We recommend using a glass designed specifically for Armagnac. Such glasses have tapered rims so that the aroma of the liqueur is directed at you as you drink.

You can sip your Armagnac on the rocks, in a cocktail, or plain as a small post-dinner treat. 

What’s the Difference Between Cognac and Armagnac?

The difference between Cognac and Armagnac comes down to how they’re made. They’re both distilled from white wine grapes, but Armagnac is only distilled a single time. Cognac is distilled twice.

As a result, Armagnac spends more time in oak barrels than its counterpart, causing its flavors to bloom.

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Is Armagnac Better than Cognac?

So which one is better: Armagnac or Cognac?

Unfortunately, that’s a matter of opinion. It’s true that Cognac is significantly more popular than Armagnac, but popularity isn’t always a guarantee of quality. 

Many love Cognac because they feel the double distillation makes it smoother. Others prefer the taste of Armagnac because they feel the flavor is much more robust and sophisticated.

At the end of the day, Armagnac remains a drink that’s more well-known among enthusiasts and aficionados rather than the general population.

Is Armagnac a Whiskey?

No, Armagnac is not a whiskey, although the two drinks have a couple qualities in common.

The process used to make both Armagnac and whiskey is similar, in that both are aged in barrels after being distilled. Beyond the distillation and barrel aging, though, these drinks totally diverge from one another.

Perhaps the biggest difference is what they’re made from. Armagnac is made from white wine grapes and whiskey is made from grain. 

Wrap Up

Are you planning on trying Armagnac for the first time? It’s nothing to be nervous about – it’s an excellent drink that’s well-loved by connoisseurs around the world. Make sure you choose your first bottle carefully, though, studying where it came from and who made it.

There are plenty of other types of adult beverages to try, too. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a look at our guide to what dandelion wine tastes like.