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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Jonathan Hatchman

6 best armagnacs to replace your favourite cognac, tested by a spirits expert

Armagnac has been enjoyed for hundreds of years, and I’ve sampled bottles across a range of price points - (Jonathan Hatchman/The Independent)

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.

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