As anyone who reads this Blog on a regular basis knows, I am a big fan of Armagnac. For those not familiar, Armagnac is a brandy similar to Cognac (to learn more see Armagnac, in Wikipedia). My experience has been that Armagnac is almost always less expensive when compared to Cognac, and of better quality at each quality level (VSOP, XO etc.).
A case in point – Chateu Du Tariquet Classique Bas Armagnac. Here is an Armagnac at their lowest quality designation that I would place up against many VSOP Cognacs as the same or better for taste and quality. This simple brandy, made from 40% Baco and 60% Ugni-blanc grapes, is aged for 3 years in oak. It is a delicate brandy with a hint of vanilla and roasted oak. Well worh it at a $31.99 price point.
I highly recommend Ararat Five Star Armenian Armagnac. It’s a fantastic, lesser known (in North America anyways) brandy.