700 years of history, 700 uses

Armagnac is the oldest French eau-de-vie with a seven centuries old history and not even a single wrinkle! Still just as feisty and challenging, however it has not always been destined as a drink to be savoured in a tasting, so let’s take a look back at its origins.

In 1991, Father Gilbert Loubès unearthed an unpublished document in the Vatican library entitled ‘Very useful book for conserving your health and staying on top form’.  Just that. This book written by Master Vital Dufour, Prior of Eauze and cardinal close to Pope Clement V is dated 1310.

A passage from the book that talks about preserving one’s health, focuses on the therapeutic virtues of Armagnac, at that time called « aygue ardente » (burning water). From these therapeutic virtues of Armagnac, this medieval ecclesiastical scholar counted forty.

Thus, according to Master Vital Dufour, Armagnac could « cure hepatitis if drunk with moderation » or even « remove headaches, particularly those coming from a cold ».

Virtues that will only have an effect of course if taken conscientiously, as the burning water, according to the Prior of Eauze would have beneficial effects « if taken medically and soberly».

An ancient book that substantiates the antecedence of Armagnac in the universe of French spirits and also proves that sometimes, certain products are born to serve one purpose and end up 700 years later by delighting the taste buds of consumers all around the world for other reasons.