The alambics are lit in Armagnac !
An early harvest, an early distillation… It is already upon us as tomorrow, Thursday 8th October, the first alambics will be lit to bring forth this years new eau-de-vie.
Just this once, it is in the Lot-et-Garonne that the first distillation of the year will take place.
From Thursday the alambics will be lit to ‘burn’ the 2015 vintage. The Ferme de Gagnet in Mézin (47) will open its doors from Saturday to all visitors wanting to deepen their knowledge or simply participate in this annual event.
The « Flame of Armagnac » (La Flamme de l’Armagnac)
The "Flamme de l'Armagnac", referring to the alambic’s burning furnace, resumes its autumn tour…it will travel the roads of Armagnac and give rise to many varied events in the villages, estates and all around.
And distillation is always a renewed pleasure for the Armagnac producers to welcome their friends, customers and passing tourists to share with them the joy of watching the arrival of the new eau-de-vie, fruit of a whole year’s work.
Festive meals, convivial evenings and all sorts of entertainment… the programme this year is yet again very rich and the get-togethers spread out over the winter months will bring promising new contacts and friends.
The first rendezvous: « L’Armagnac en Fête » in Labastide d’Armagnac
A wonderful celebration of an exceptional eau-de-vie, exploring an amazing ‘terroir’ with its traditional culture and heritage, a place of discovery for gastronomy, this festival has, over time, become a not-to-be-missed moment in the year for the general public and professionals alike. Every year, there are more than 4000 people that walk the cobblestones of the Place Royale and adjacent roads of the medieval village of Labastide d’Armagnac.
This year, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October, there will be some new attractions: besides the stands dedicated to the distillation, culinary demonstrations and the sensory promenade, the various trades connected to the vine from the nurseries to the cooper will also be honoured. Thanks to themed and educational workshops set up on the “rue de patrimoine”, there will also be the possibility to learn about Armagnac’s 700 year history, the manufacture of the alambics and the creation of the fortified towns. A little reading room with different books will be available for visitors. Guided visits of Labastide d’Armagnac (one of which will be with flaming torches) and an introduction to the Courses Landaises will also showcase the art of living in this village and this region.
Highlight: Each year, after the famous ‘royal harvest’, personalities from the world of gastronomy, culture, the arts, sport and politics will be inducted into the brotherhood of the Escoubade.
Other highlights
The usual events spread out over the winter months either on the estates or in the villages:
· La Flamme in Montréal-du-Gers, on 14th and 15th November: a sporty and gourmet weekend with a theme of different walks and a big convivial banquet like every year;
· Four day festival in Eauze from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th November with numerous events around Armagnac and gastronomy and a dinner with show not to be missed on Friday 27th November;
· Also a timetable of wonderful events in Cazaubon, Montesquiou, etc.
If you enjoy having a good time, come to discover the magic of these unique moments. Succumb to the luxury of taking time out, time to discover, time to taste and time to get to the heart of the matter
La Flamme de l’Armagnac is alight and invites you to join the party…