Armagnac may not enjoy the same prestige as Cognac, but for those in the know, its appeal lies in its authenticity and deep rooted heritage. Produced in Gascony for more than 700 years, Armagnac predates Cognac by centuries and continues to offer a more rustic, characterful expression of French brandy.
Part of that distinctive style comes from the production method. While Cognac is typically double distilled, most Armagnac is distilled once, preserving more of the spirit’s texture, fruit and complexity. The result is celebrated for its richness and personality, enjoyed young and vibrant or after decades of ageing in oak.
For those in the know, Armagnac also remains one of the spirits world’s best-kept secrets when it comes to value. Exceptionally mature expressions, often aged for 20, 30 or even 40 years, can still be found at prices that feel remarkably accessible compared to similarly aged whiskies or Cognacs.
In recent years, Armagnac has been quietly regaining momentum, thanks in part to growing interest from bartenders and adventurous spirits drinkers. Mixologists have embraced the category for its versatility, using well-aged expressions to bring depth and complexity to cocktails, while younger styles and blanche Armagnac lend freshness, spice and vibrant fruit character to modern serves.
Armagnac performed strongly at this year’s IWSC, with a host of styles all picking up medals. Single vintage Armagnacs sung, Château de Lacquy Vintage 2007 Bas-Armagnac, for example, scored an impressive 98 points.
Long-aged examples like Armagnac Janneau XXO Armagnac offered ‘a velvety smoothness, revealing elderflower and Earl Grey florals alongside apricots and almonds’, while for those seeking out a younger, fresher style, Société des Produits d’Armagnac, Marquis de Montesquiou VS Armagnac was praised for ‘aromas of grass, dry figs and delicate florals’.
Every bottle at this year’s IWSC was tasted blind by a top panel featuring some of the best palates in the business. A true artisanal spirit that rarely disappoints, Armagnac should be on your spirits shortlist if you’ve never tried it before. We’re delighted to present the pick of the best Armagnacs from the IWSC 2025.
HOW DO WE JUDGE THESE SPIRITS?
We run a tightly structured, rigorous spirits tasting process. That means that each spirit sample is pre-poured into numbered glasses and assessed blindly by the judges. Most importantly, our IWSC spirit judges are experts in their field, who work across all sectors of the drinks industry. For evidence, see our full list of judges.
HOW DO WE SCORE THESE SPIRITS?
Only the best spirits sampled receive a Gold or Silver award. For example, to win Gold, spirits have to score between 95 and 100 points. Meanwhile, Silver wines range from 90 to 94 points. Click here to read more on our scoring system.
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12 of the best Armagnacs from the IWSC 2025
Société des Produits d'Armagnac, Marquis De Montesquiou VSOP Armagnac
