Domaine Tariquet

As well as being two seperate regions in France, there is one major difference between Armagnac and Cognac. Whereas Cognac is distilled using a pot still (normally twice distilled), Armagnac is traditionally distilled using a column still - although a smaller version than the industrial column stills normally used to produce the likes of vodka. Armagnac stills result in a more aromatic brandy than is more flavourful at a younger age than Cognac, which takes time to develop in cask. As a result, Armagnac arguably has more character and depth at a more affordable price point, whereas Cognac demands the higher prices the older it gets due to the increasing complexity over time (what that DOES mean is you can get some incredibly old Armagnac at very reasonable prices, making them ideal for birthday and anniversaries, so get in touch!).

Domaine Tariquet has been family owned since 1912 and is the largest independently owned single estate in France. Lightly toasted barrels impart subtlety and complexity, making Tariquet bottlings some of the most approachable in the Armagnac world.

Tariquet XO is a blending of various ages at a minimum of 15 years. Whereas the younger VSOP has notes of sweet breads and pastries, here we have a more fruity palate, particularly with notes of plums and raisins, along with high % cocoa dark chocolate . We have something really special here, the sort of spirit that needs a log fire, a good book, and plenty of attention.This is sort of Armagnac that makes one wonder just why Cognac gets all the attention and higher prices, when this has all the class and complexity one could wish for. Amazing stuff.