How is Armagnac distilled?

How is Armagnac distilled?

Armagnac is made from high acidity white wine with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 7 to 12 percent. The wine is distilled using a single distillation process in a continuous column still called an alembic armagnaçaise. Distillation must be complete by March 31 of the year following the harvest of the grapes.

Is Armagnac single distilled?

Armagnac is distilled only once, in an Armagnac still (with columns), while Cognac is distilled twice, in a Charentais still. The “Armagnacais” still is a copper alembic with columns and plates, known as a “continuous distillation alembic” (a single heating).

Is Armagnac triple distilled?

Armagnac is traditionally distilled once, resulting in 52% alcohol content. The result is a more fragrant and flavorful spirit than cognac, where double distillation takes place. Long ageing in oak barrels softens the taste and causes the development of more complex flavours and a brown colour.

What is the difference between Cognac Armagnac and brandy?

Armagnac is column-distilled, which is a process where the alcohol is continuously heated between two vertical columns and then aged in French oak barrels or casks for a minimum of 1 year. Though Armagnac and Cognac are both are brandies distilled from wine, Armagnac is distilled once while Cognac is distilled twice.

How many times is Armagnac distilled?

Armagnac is also distinctive because of the way it is distilled. Cognac producers use pot stills and distill twice, whereas Armagnac is distilled just once in a continuous still known as an alembic armagnaçaise. One of its virtues is that it is portable, so it can travel around to small properties.

Does Armagnac get better with age?

Typically, the older Armagnacs are better, more complex and more expensive, but it’s also important to choose Armagnac from a good producer. I recommend the Larressingle VSOP and XO bottlings, which are widely available at New York’s better wine shops.

How long should Armagnac be aged?

A label that says VS means the Armagnac has spent a minimum of two years in cask; VSOP and Reserve labels indicate five years; XO and Napoleon are aged six years; and Hors d’Age means ten years or more.

Is Armagnac better than Cognac?

And last, but by no means least, when it comes to taste, Cognac is more subtle and gentle, while Armagnac is considered to be more complex and robust. It’s also higher in alcohol; Cognac must be at least 40% ABV and Armagnac is typically between 46 to 48% ABV.

Is Armagnac distilled twice?

Cognac producers use pot stills and distill twice, whereas Armagnac is distilled just once in a continuous still known as an alembic armagnaçaise. One of its virtues is that it is portable, so it can travel around to small properties. The spirit that emerges retains more character.