If cognac is tequila, armagnac is mezcal: Smaller, wilder, and more rustic. I covered the history and production of armagnac in yesterday's post.
In this post I'll cover some of the differences between these two French grape brandies. One difference I forgot to mention below is that they're produced in different parts of France!
| Armagnac | Cognac |
| Four primary grape varieties | One primary grape variety (ugni blanc) |
| Usually distilled once in a continuous still. | Distilled twice in pot stills. |
| Features vintages as well as blends | Features more blends, few vintages |
| Is consumed more locally | Is more an export product |
| VS = 1 year minimum | VS = 2 years minimum |
| Often ages in local Gason oak barrels | Ages in Limousin/Troncais oak barrels |
| Often distilled to lower proof ~57% | Distilled higher ~70% |
| Grapes cost the same price whether from Bas Armagnac or Tenareze | Grande Champagne grapes way more expensive than from other regions |
| More sandy soils in region | More chalky soils in region |
| Allows for an unaged product "Blanche De Armagnac" | Technically, no unaged variant permitted |
Beyond production differences, the two aged brandies taste significantly different.
In my opinion, cognac tends to have a very sturdy but subtle backbone of aged grapes, while the aromas are are often delicate, ethereal, and floral.
Armagnac I think of as "foresty," meaning there are often flavors I associate with the forest floor: wood, mushrooms, herbs, dirt. Mmm, dirt.
It's okay to drink them both.
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