How to Drink Armagnac

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: January 16, 2021 References Tested

Armagnac, a French brandy distilled from grapes, has the amazingly complex and varied flavors of other brandies while being much less known. If you learn what to look for and choose an Armagnac that suits your tastes, select the right glass and some complimentary food, if you let yourself savor the aroma and flavor, drinking Armagnac can be an incredibly memorable and interesting drinking experience.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing Your Armagnac

1
Check that your Armagnac is from Gascony, France. It's important to make sure that the Armagnac you choose is from the specific places or terroirs that make it. Armagnac is exclusively distilled in the Gascony area of southwest France, and you will want to make sure that any bottle you choose has this on the label.^{[1]
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Research source} Some other names to look for are Bas-Armagnac, Armagnac-Ténarèze, and Haut-Armagnac.^{[2]
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- Haut-Armagnac and Armagnac-Ténarèze produce well admired, high quality brandies, but Bas-Armagnac is known for producing the highest quality Armagnacs.^{[3]
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Look for a bottle aged 2–4 years if you want a gentler flavored Armagnac. The fruit flavors are at the front of younger Armagnacs. A label with 3 stars or the initials V.S. indicates an Armagnac aged at least 2 years. V.S.O.P. means it's been aged a minimum of 4.^{[4]
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Look for a bottle aged 6–10 years if you want a deeper flavored Armagnac. The flavors of older Armagnacs vary, but you will probably notice stronger, earthier flavors. The labels X.O. and Hors D'âge mean it's been aged at least 6 and 10 years, respectively. ^{[5]
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Look for a vintage-dated Armagnac if you want something expensive. Vintage-dated Armagnac is labelled with a given year, representing the year of fruit harvest rather than a barrel aging time. These bottles will be priced at hundreds or even thousands of dollars but would definitely be special to experience.^{[6]
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- Keep in mind that non-vintage-dated Armagnac can be just as good and you in no way have to buy the most expensive kind! ^{[7]
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Choose paler Armagnac for a sweeter flavor. If you want to avoid reading labels, know that younger Armagnac has a paler color due to shorter aging. It will have a fruity flavor, and you might taste notes of prune, apricot, or quince.^{[8]
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- Choose a darker Armagnac for richer flavors. Older Armagnac is darker in color and will taste more of toffee, chocolate, or caramel. The oldest Armagnacs will have notes of spices like cinnamon and pepper.^{[9]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Serving Your Armagnac

1
Choose a tulip-shaped brandy glass. These glasses have a rounded bottom with a stem and are tapered towards the top.^{[10]
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Research source} Using this type of glass will focus the flavors of the brandy and prevent the overpowering alcohol scent that can come with balloon shaped brandy snifters.^{[11]
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- You can always use a snifter if it's easier to find; just try to avoid sticking your nose directly into the glass when smelling the liquor, the way you might with wine.^{[12]
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Pour and serve the drink in advance. Try to serve Armagnac 15–30 minutes before you drink it.^{[13]
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Research source} This is where planning ahead will be useful.
3
Serve Armagnac with a meal if you want to compliment food flavors. Armagnac alongside a meal can bring out the aromas and flavors of your foods or other beverages. It can be a full meal with multiple glasses of Armagnac tasted throughout or you might just enjoy a small glass with a snack or a cup of coffee.^{[14]
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Serve Armagnac after a meal if you want a traditional digestive. Drinking brandy after a meal is thought to aid digestion. While it may not actually do that, a glass of Armagnac is probably still nice after a good meal. This is a very traditional way to enjoy Armagnac.^{[15]
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Pair younger, paler Armagnac with light or simple foods. This includes cheeses, cold cuts of meat, smoked fish, or lemon tarts. Look for foods that complement the light, fruity flavors you'll find in shorter aged Armagnac.^{[16]
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- Try blue-veined cheese like Fourme or Roquefort.^{[17]
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- Foie gras, while rich, also pairs well with paler Armagnac.^{[18]
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- Try young Armagnac with vanilla ice-cream. You can even pour a little over the top as a sauce.^{[19]
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Pair older, darker Armagnacs with rich meat dishes and desserts. Since older Armagnac has stronger, deeper flavors, you should look for foods that are sweet or rich enough to offset that. You could try the following:^{[20]
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- Plain dark chocolate.^{[21]
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- Roasted duck or fowl
- Chocolate desserts like mousse or cake
- Candied oranges
- Other sweet fruit desserts like pear charlotte or tarte Tatin.^{[22]
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Pair Armagnac with coffee if you also enjoy coffee. Coffee is an excellent pairing for any Armagnac. You'll want to choose a coffee with an aroma that compliments the aroma of your Armagnac. Try experimenting with your favorite coffee and go from there.^{[23]
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- For a specific suggestion, try a cup of black coffee brewed in the American style.^{[24]
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Pair Armagnac with a cigar if you smoke cigars. Cigars go great with brandy and Armagnac is no exception. Try to choose a cigar with contrasting rather than matching flavors. For example, a fruitier Armagnac can be paired with a spicier cigar.^{[25]
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- If you smoke cigarettes, you can also try one of those with your Armagnac.^{[26]
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Drink Armagnac on its own. It's always an option to drink Armagnac paired with nothing at all. You can easily enjoy the aroma and flavors on their own.^{[27]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Enjoying Your Armagnac

1
Ensure that your Armagnac is at room temperature. Warm or room temperature is best for releasing the aromas of Armagnac. Keep in mind, though, that other Armagnacs might call for a chilled temperature. You may have to research the kind you have to know for sure.^{[28]
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- If you prefer a specific temperature, you can try 66°F or 19°C as a general, optimal drinking temperature for Armagnac.^{[29]
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2
Smell your Armagnac before you drink. It's important to experience the aroma from any Armagnac before tasting, like with other liquors. If you're using a snifter glass, hold the bowl in your palm at an angle and let your hand gently warm the liquid, releasing the scent into the air.^{[30]
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Research source} Alternatively, hold the glass at chest level and let the aroma waft up to your nose.^{[31]
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- A trick for getting the essential aroma of your Armagnac without the strong scent of alcohol is to dab a drop of it on your hand—the alcohol will heat and evaporate leaving behind only the specific scent of the brandy.^{[32]
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- Make sure not to over-swirl your glass! It is best to gently roll the Armagnac in the glass without breaking the liquid.^{[33]
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3
Sip your Armagnac slowly. When you're ready to take your first taste of Armagnac, it is definitely best to go slowly and savor the experience. Take tiny sips and roll the liquid over your tongue. That way you get the full experience of the flavors.^{[34]
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Warnings

While it's a common belief that Armagnac after a meal can aid digestion, this may not be true. Alcohol can actually have an adverse effect on digestive processes.^{[37]
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