Armagnac is France s premier brandy, not only because it was the first but also because it is the preference of true connoisseurs. And while armagnac is often compared to its closest relative Cognac, the two brandies are distinctly different. In this detailed study, Charles Neal takes us to Gascony, in the hidden backwoods of Southwestern France. All the factors that go into making a great Armagnac are explained, as are the differences between it and Cognac. Insights into blending and the use of permitted additives are fully discussed. Also included are profiles of the region s most influential négociants, objective tasting notes on their products, even information on how to match Armagnac with your favorite cigar. More important, however, is the focus on the region s real heart and soul, the producers of traditional Armagnac. Within their unrectified Armagnacs from a single year, subtle notes of prune, apricot, vanilla, spice and nuts converge to become heavenly. A deep, penetrating, natural sweetness of fruit remains on the palate for minutes, and when smelling the empty snifter the next day, one can be reminded of the memorable scent of un vrai Armagnac.

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