The 65th edition of the Talents of Armagnac competition : awarding excellence in Armagnac craftsmanship

Created in 1947 by Joseph Miquel, the Great Eaux-de-vie Competition in Eauze, renamed « Les Talents de l’Armagnac » in 2012, recognises the work of the men and women that give the identity, diversity and the richness to Armagnac. A testimony to their skill, expertise and rigor, this years Talents of Armagnac 65th edition, took place on 25th November also serves as a pre-selection for the Concours Général Agricole de Paris (General Agriculture Competition in Paris).

Each year, this significant event means a great deal to the Armagnac producers as their products are under the spotlight and judged by their peers.  Wine growers, distillers, traders, cellar masters and oenologists : the entire profession gets together to taste and decide between the Armagnacs that have been presented.  In the last edition, there were more than one hundred and twenty samples, split into seven categories that were subjected for appraisal by the experts.

Among the different categories, « Armagnac on Ice » highlights the Armagnacs that are particularly adapted to new ways of drinking. During the 2016 competition, the jury, presided over by barman Stephen Martin, voted best mixologist in France in 2009, awarded Armagnac Fine from Sempé – Club des Marques.

The gold medal Hors d’Age and vintages take part in a final selection that awards a special prize: the President of the Republic award (Prix du Président de la République) – only every other year.  This year, the President of the Republic award was chosen by a prestigious jury presided over by Pierre Colin, Chef-Sommelier at Restaurant Michel Sarran in Toulouse, to Bas Armagnac 1987 from Jean Cavé - Club des marques.

An essential date on the trade’s professional calendar, the Talents of Armagnac competition, annually awards the historical savoir-faire of the Armagnac producers and the excellence of France’s first premium craft spirit!