Armagnac . Cognac . Spirits . TastingOn 25 June 2020 by admin

This is a continuation of my test. This time we will have another skirmish between V.S.’s and one round boxing match in the V.S.O.P. category.

ABK6 VS Pure Single versus Armagnac de Montal Special Reserve (VS on the back label)

At first ABK6 VS cognac.

Nose: intensely citrus, not very volatile, well hidden alcohol, lime, lemon zest, grapefruit, a bit chemical, solvent, grease.

Mouth: slightly floral, soap, after a while citrus punch, lime peel.

Finish: short and flat, light bitterness.

I have completely different feelings than descriptions on websites …

Now armagnac Armagnac de Montal Special Reserve

Nose: orange peel, mango, cherries, caramel, more volatile than cognac, floral, alcohol worse hidden.

Mouth: quite sharp, peppery, tobacco, delicate vanilla, plums, apricots, raisins.

Finish: surprisingly long, peppery, tobacco, mild tannins.

Armagnac is the undisputed winner of this round. If it were a blind test I would say it was a higher age category … 2: 1 for armagnacs.

V.S.O.P.

We are moving to a higher age category. This time Croizet VSOP represents cognac. On the side of armagnacs, Lauvia Fine Armagnac (the producer’s information says about a 4-7 year blend, so it fits the V.S.O.P. category).

Croizet VSOP

Nose: at first alcoholic, bit irritating, vine, not very volatile, noticeable peaches, dried apricots, lemon somewhere in the background.

Mouth: sweet, dessert taste, vanilla, a little flowery.

Finish: peppery, spicy, alcoholic, quickly stalls. At the second and third try the peppery is not so offensive.

Lauvia Fine Armagnac

Nose: mangoes, citruses, also not very volatile, more fresh.

Mouth: dessert, richer than the competitor, lemon zest, vanilla, fairly well balanced, mirabelle plums, slightly vegetable.

Finish: peppery, but pleasant, bitter, longer than cognac.

Armagnacs aggressively attacked and we have 3: 1. The next clash, in the next post, will be the X.O. category. Meanwhile, bless you all !