Armagnac Sempe

[Luc]

I had a glass of Armagnac Sempe yesterday (VSOP). I have to admit, my previous Armagnac adventures were not successful...

I found them to burn a bit too much but this one was pretty smooth and went in like the Courvoisier XO.... Now I need to find some more!

 

[Nitrosnail]

Armangac, congac same product different provance of France.

 

[Luc]

mmm, yes and no.

Armagnac is distilled once and Cognac is distilled twice...

 

[Nitrosnail]

Mmmm yes and no armongac is " traditionally" distilled once but also spends two years to six years in oak casks further developing the flavor while congac is distilled twice then bottled and sold. I am only talking vs not vsop or higher.

 

[falkon]

FWIW, at least rappers haven't made armagnac a status symbol yet

 

[Luc]

Bought a bottle yesterday, it was on special...

Very nice drink! Love it! A lot of caramel and pepper type taste! I will review it when I finish the bottle!!

 

[bjh618]

I haven't seen that before...

Where abouts did you pick it up Luc?

 

[Luc]

I haven't seen that before...

Where abouts did you pick it up Luc?

Dan Murphy's sells it... Got it for ~$70 AUD...

Just finished one glass Really nice drink! I can post a picture if you like...

 

[bjh618]

Post away!

I haven't been to DM's in a while.

I did pick up a bottle of Corvossier XO for 2 pinapples a week or so ago

 

[DE Shaver]

I tend to prefer a good Armagnac over Cognac. There are differences between the two, including the fact that Armagnac has been found to protect against obesity and heart disease (over and above standard alcohol benefits). The region of Gascony has some of the lowest incidents of cardiovascular disease in the world.

Here is something I found the Internet recently...

http://ezinearticles.com/?Armagnac-Brandy-a-Wonderful-Drink---Steeped-in-History&id=4951305

 

[jwhite]

I also tend to prefer a Good Armagnac.

 

[singlemalts]

A few differences between Cognac and Armagnac.

Grapes
Cognac something like 98-99% of the of the grapes are Ugni Blanc. Folle Blanche and Colombard

Armagnac only about 50% of the grapes are Ugni Blac. Folle Blanche, Colombard, and Bacco (very popular) grapes can also be used.

Soil
Just like in wine, soil makes a huge difference in taste profiles. The two regions of France have different types of soil.

Distilling
As others have said. Cognac is double distilled to about 144 proof and then aged. Armagnac is single distilled to a lower 100-120 proof and therefore not as pure leading to different taste profiles.

After aging Cognac will need to have water added to bring it down to 40% for bottling. Most of the time Armagnac does not need water added to bring it down to the 40% range, the angels do that for us.


I don't dink much of either. Others can say which they feel is better. Just remember that Cognac has a larger percent of the market but Armagnac has been around much longer.

 

[letterk]

I've been enjoying Marie Duffau Bas Armagnac Napoleon.