Armagnac is still one of France’s best kept secrets, often overshadowed by cognac, considering its comparatively small overall volume of production and the fact it’s predominantly crafted by smaller producers.
From the Armagnac region of Gascony, in the south-west of France, it’s France’s oldest brandy, and the oldest spirit in the world to be still distilled. Whereas cognac is well-known for being refined, armagnac is typically more nuanced with earthy complexity, typically distilled just once (rather than twice, as with cognac) to retain its richness, intensity and individuality.
Today many armagnac houses remain small, family-run and protective of tradition. Though starkly differing flavour profiles can be found, from youthful, vibrant expressions through to long-aged armagnacs with deep, layered complexity.
Whether you’re a brandy novice or an informed connoisseur, these top picks of the best armagnacs include something for everyone, continuing to prove that it deserves a place behind every serious bar.
The best armagnacs for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Darroze Les Grands Assemblages 8-year-old bas armagnac, £57.49, Masterofmalt.com
- Best introduction –Janneau VSOP, £38.50, Masterofmalt.com
- Best modern armagnac – Anthema d'Azur blue bas armagnac VS, £44.95, Drinksone.com
- Best for bold richness – Laballe bas armagnac 12 rich, £46.25, Thewhiskyexchange.com
- Best aged armagnac – Delord 15-year-old bas armagnac, £76.80, Masterofmalt.com
How I tested
All six armagnacs were blind tasted neat, from identical cognac glasses, allowing each to rest and breathe a little before sampling. Each expression was judged on aroma, flavours on the palate, texture, finish and with notes made on balance and overall drinkability.
Industry experts share the best supermarket whiskies from Aldi, Tesco and more
9 best whiskies from around the world
16 best gins, taste-tested for the perfect G&Ts, martinis and more
11 best Scotch whiskies that deserve a spot in your drinks cabinet
12 best tequilas that are perfect for cocktails and sipping neat
Darroze Les Grands Assemblages 8-year-old bas armagnac
Best: Armagnac overall
ABV: 43%
Why we love it
- Good value for collectors
- Balanced notes
Darroze’s “Les Grands Assemblages” series showcases the remarkable diversity of aged armagnac, with each expression crafted from carefully selected eaux-de-vie brandies of varying ages and origins. The eight-year ageing offers an enticing blend of youthful vibrancy and emerging maturity, making it a fascinating introduction to the house style.
Aromas of vanilla, spice and orchard fruits are joined by a lively palate of caramelised pear, hazelnut and sweet oak. Balanced and structured, it’s a phenomenal armagnac that also offers great value for collectors.
Buy now £57.49, Masterofmalt.com
Janneau VSOP
Best: Introduction to armagnac
ABV: 40%
Why we love it
- Great for a first taste
- Drinkable
A benchmark expression for those new to armagnac, Janneau VSOP provides an exemplary introduction to the category. Blended from eaux-de-vie brandies aged for at least four years in French oak, it’s a masterclass in balance, fruit-forward flavours that are grounded by gentle spice and vanilla.
Expect aromas of apricot, honey and polished wood on the nose, leading to a palate rich in dried fruit, toasted almond and a faint whiff of cocoa. The mouthfeel is supple and lingering, with a finish that hums with warm spice and candied orange. Refined yet approachable, this is the armagnac to convert cognac drinkers.
Buy now £38.5, Amazon.co.uk
Anthema d'Azur blue bas armagnac VS
Best: Modern armagnac
ABV: 43%
Why we love it
- Statement bottle
- Rich in flavour
Proof that armagnac can be as forward-thinking as it is traditional, Anthema’s striking blue bottle conceals a spirit as bold as its presentation. Contemporary in concept yet classic in execution, it bursts with ripe plum, vanilla pod and sweet baking spice.
There’s a gentle lift of orange zest and honey on the palate, balanced by a touch of oak and cinnamon warmth. It’s a statement piece for the home bar and a conversation starter at any dinner party.
Buy now £44.95, Drinksone.com
Laballe bas armagnac 12 rich
Best: armagnac for bold richness
ABV: 44.2%
Why we love it
- Rich flavours
- Delightful digestif
From Domaine de Laballe in the heart of Bas Armagnac, this 12-year-old bottling perfectly demonstrates the region’s signature style. It’s velvety, decadent and deeply layered. Aged in Gascon oak barrels that lend a bold tannic backbone, the spirit unfurls with aromas of prune, fig and caramelised sugar.
On the palate, waves of cocoa, roasted nuts and tobacco give way to a long, earthy finish that evokes dark chocolate and a whisper of leather. This is a slow-sipping armagnac, ideal as a digestif.
Buy now £46.25, Thewhiskyexchange.com
Delord 15-year-old bas armagnac
Best: Aged armagnac
ABV: 40%
Why we love it
- Savoury and deep
Family-run for generations, Maison Delord is revered for producing armagnac of exceptional depth and balance, and this 15-year-old bottling is a fine example. Aged in oak barrels within their traditional cellars in Lannepax, the spirit has matured beautifully, exuding aromas of dried fig, leather and dark toffee.
It’s rich and savoury on the palate, with baked fruit, nutmeg and tobacco unfolding before a wonderfully warming finish. A stunning sipper for cold evenings.
Buy now £76.8, Masterofmalt.com
Waitrose armagnac VSOP
Best: Supermarket armagnac
ABV: 40%
Why we love it
- Easy to get hold of
- Reliable taste
Waitrose & Partners’ VSOP Armagnac overdelivers at its price point. Distilled and matured by one of Gascony’s respected producers, it’s a superb everyday armagnac that’s smooth, elegant and gently spiced.
The nose is alive with dried apricot and vanilla, while the palate delivers golden raisin, honey and delicate oak. The finish is clean but persistent, with a flicker of nutmeg and citrus peel. Great for those exploring the category for the first time, or for anyone seeking a solid house pour.
Buy now £29, Waitrosecellar.com
Your questions about armagnac answered
What is the best armagnac?
Armagnac remains one of the most characterful spirits on the market, a world away from the polished homogeneity of many mainstream brandies.
For something truly special armagnac, Darroze Les Grands Assemblages 8-year-old bas armagnac takes the top spot. For an all-rounder that does a great job of capturing the essence of Gascony, Janneau VSOP is balanced, versatile and beautifully made. While for those seeking richness and gravitas, Laballe bas armagnac 12 rich is indulgent and complex. Whichever you choose, each of these bottles prove armagnac deserves far more international recognition.
How I selected the best armagnac
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Jonathan Hatchman is a writer who specialises in alcoholic beverages and spirits– he’s taste-tested everything from the best Japanese whisky to the best British lager. He combines his expertise with a keen eye for value, making him well placed to judge the best armagnac.
The wider IndyBest team has also reviewed a wide range of sprits from the best supermarket whiskies to the best gins, so are well placed to give you recommendations on the top tipples to enjoy.
Thirsty for more? Check out our guide to the best whiskies around the world
