Essential Oil andamp; Hydrosol Distillation Kit @ Hen of the Woods Artisan Acres, NS, Canada
Armagnac is produced in the temperate Mediterranean climate of the Gascony region in France, land of the legendary D'Artagnan. It is the oldest of the French brandies.
Armagnac was born from the vines brought to France by the Romans and distilled in alembics, a Moorish influence. In the 15th century Armagnac eau de vie was used for medicinal purposes, being used to combat plagues that emerged everywhere and at anytime. It was in the 17th century that this spirit started to be used as an alcoholic beverage.
Armagnac is distillated, exclusively, from the French grapes from the so called Gers Department. It can only be produced from one of three regions: Bas Armagnac (which produces the best Armagnac), Tenarèze and Haut Armagnac. Depending on the region where the spirit is produced it has different characteristics, the Bas Armagnac has a plum flavour, Tenarèze a violet aroma and Haut Armagnac needs more time to age (a lower quality eau de vie).