Many people have heard of Cognac and Armagnac when it comes to brandy.
They are not brandy brands, but instead regions of origin.
So, what are the actual differences between them? How do we choose when buying these types of brandy?
Cognac is often what we associate with the "brandy region" because the four major and well-known Cognac brands - Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin, and Courvoisier - are all located there.
Armagnac, on the other hand, is home to many smaller brandy producers, and it's common for them to refer to themselves as "Château" (similar to wineries in the wine industry). Both regions allow the addition of sugar after distillation, so the taste is generally slightly sweeter than whiskey, often described in the beverage industry as "off-dry.
In terms of production methods, Cognac must be distilled using a double-pot still, known as a "Pot Distill," which results in a lower alcohol content but richer aromas. Armagnac, on the other hand, uses a single-column still, leading to a higher alcohol presence, spicier aromas, and a slightly sweeter taste, as you personally perceive it.
The two regions also allow the use of slightly different grape varieties. Armagnac brandy has a more diverse range of grape varieties it can use. Apart from the most commonly used Ugni Blanc (also known as Trebbiano), Folle Blanc is often used to enhance floral aromas, and Baco Blanc is used to add complexity with notes like fig and damp earth.
Armagnac and Cognac also have differences in labeling.
In Armagnac production, besides the commonly heard age classifications like VS, VSOP, and XO, it's quite common to find Vintage bottlings, which are single-vintage expressions. This sets Armagnac apart in the brandy world, where blends are often the norm. Some connoisseurs appreciate the unique characteristics that single-vintage Armagnac offers. In contrast, Cognac rarely features single-vintage releases and leans more toward blends.
Armagnac also has a unique type of brandy called "Blanche," which means "white" in French. Typically, brandies are aged in oak barrels after distillation before being bottled. However, Blanche Armagnac skips the oak aging process and is briefly stored in stainless steel tanks after distillation. As a result, it showcases pure floral and fruity aromas, albeit with a bit less complexity. It is a more budget-friendly option and is often enjoyed with ice or used as a base spirit for cocktails.
