The last dance

The colour of Armagnac, a testimony of its long years in oak barrels, gives an indication to the age of the eau-de-vie and is proof of its depth and complexity.

During its ageing in oak barrels within the cellar, Armagnac maintains a close relationship with the wood . Thanks to the components in the wood, it takes some of its aromas, flavours and colour.  In the barrel, the eau-de-vie forges its character and its colour gradually takes on a transparent golden colour.  Over the seasons, the shades are refined, revealing the eau-de-vie’s age to discerning eyes.

To admire the colour of Armagnac is the first step in a successful tasting.  The different shades can help us to ascertain the approximate length of the romance between oak and eau-de-vie.

The first look must reveal a bright and clear Armagnac.  Next, we must invite it to take a last dance, during which the nectar should be gently spun around in a brandy balloon (or tulip glass) that is held by the bottom between the thumb and index finger.  This choreography encourages the daylight to light up the Gasconne eau-de-vie with its gleaming brilliance.

Whirls and caresses !

The colours of straw yellow light up the young Armagnacs (less than five years in barrels) whilst older Armagnacs (more than twenty years of ageing) darken towards deep amber and mahogany.  Between these two generations, Armagnac  displays nuances of topaz, copper and old gold.

During this dance, whilst we look at the eau-de-vie that whirls and caresses the sides of the glass, Armagnac is aerated and slowly releases its perfumed fragrances.