Armagnac
Armagnac predates Cognac as a commercial product — distillation records in Gascony go back to the 15th century, versus Cognac's 17th century commercialization. The column still technology arrived in Armagnac before Cognac, creating the continuous-distillation tradition that distinguishes the style. Gascony's remoteness from major sea trade routes kept Armagnac artisanal while Cognac went global.
Flavor Profile
Earthier and heavier than Cognac; less refined. Stone fruit, prune, dried plum, spice, earthy/estery notes from single distillation. 'Rustic' is not pejorative — it tastes more like the fruit it came from. Armagnac Sazerac has more texture than a Cognac Sazerac.
Key Producers
The benchmark value Armagnac; excellent cocktail quality
Wide distribution; reliable quality
Estate-produced; Gascon terroir expression
Vintage-dated single estate expressions