Janneau Brandy Armagnac VSOP, 70 cl

Product Information

The result is a more fragrant and flavorful spirit than cognac, where double distillation takes place. This XO Armagnac is aged for at least 20 years in French oak, giving it a luxurious complexity, rich amber colour and silky texture. This expression was aged for a whole decade in French oak, before being bottled at 40% ABV and presented in a simple though rather striking bottle.

Armagnac is rich in flavour and, depending on age, will usually have notes of caramel, cocoa, prunes, nuts, vanilla, oak and cinnamon. In 1972, thanks to some handy information brought in by Cognac Martell (then the owner of the Grand Marque), Janneau reintroduced the original method of distilling Armagnac, the Double Distillation method with pot stills, to the region. The column is known as an alambic Armagnacais, with a maximum of 17 plates but often as few as four.The palate is a bit lighter than the aromas suggest but still rewards with rounded vanilla, cocoa and espresso, fading into nutmeg and mouthwatering lemon peel brightness. The Distillery has produced this delightful Armagnac that has won six gold and six silver international spirit awards since its launch. Selected from the extensive archives of Château de Monluc, an impressive 1983 vintage Armagnac from the Ténarèze estate. Since the 1300’s Armagnac has been distilled in copper pot stills, similar to the ones used in Cognac. After decades in wood, the best Armagnac develops a character known as ‘rancio’ with notes of dried apricot, pineapple and walnuts.

Janneau VSOP is made by blending Bacca, Ugni Blanc, and Folle Blanche Armagnacs distilled by houses in the surrounding areas. As with Cognac, Armagnac began to assume something like its present form in the 17th and 18th century when merchants discovered the effects of ageing in oak on the local spirit. Its efficiency and practicality as a ‘mobile still’ made it an instant hit with the region’s producers. Prosper Delord, a cellar master and distiller, roamed the Armagnac region as a travelling distiller, creating Armagnac French brandy from white wine. It's always an impressive feat to see spirit distilled so long ago survive to this day without being enjoyed, but, well, here we are.The Distillery only produces a single varietal offering of its unique Armagnac or on a bottled-on-demand arrangement. After distillation Armagnac is matured in oak casks sourced from the local forests of Gascony and Limousin. The best Armagnac brandy can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or in any cocktail that requires quality brandy. Armagnac was one of the first areas in France to begin distilling spirits, but the overall volume of production is far smaller than cognac production and therefore is less known outside Europe.