I once was told by a wine merchant that the difference between Cognac and Armagnac is like the difference between a city girl and a country girl. Interesting comparison but if you develop your taste for these two staples of France, the comparison might come to mind.
For this review, I am going to look at Bas-Armagnac Delord XO and Bas-Armagnac Delord Napoleon. Initially, there is little to separate them; Napoleon might be a tinge darker in color, but is still a pleasing woody color which when held up to the light, is rich in a beautiful orange tone. The Napoleon is also about $10 a bottle less expensive (they should be in the range of $50-70). Of course, if you really decide to make a study of Armagnac, truly aged samples (10, 20, 30 years and more) are available and they will run from about $130-$230 a bottle). But, try a less expensive bottle until you determine further research is your goal.
I do not claim to have a cultured tongue, but to my taste, the Napoleon is a bit sharper; not much, but enough to be found if you taste them side by side. They both give a wonderful tingle to the nose during the first taste which is totally enjoyable. Both are highly rated, with the Napoleon being somewhere in the seventh position of the top 10 Armagnacs while the XO would be around number four.
Armagnac was originally distilled in the Gascony area of France, in the South West but it has spread to other surrounding areas. Not as well known as Cognac in the U.S., you may have to do a bit of looking to find a solid brand, but if you are looking for a fine drink with a cigar, good book, a delicious bit of dark chocolate, I recommend you give the excellent brandy a try.
