Collecting 101

The market for Cognac and Armagnac is currently living a resurgence among collectors, similarly to what happened with Whisky in the last 10 years.

Connoisseurs are now coming back to these noble spirits, whose expressions are second to none in terms of quality, complexity and scarcity.

What are the differences between Cognac and Armagnac?

Distillation

Cognac is distilled twice in batches, in a similar fashion to single malt whisky, in copper pots. Armagnac, on the other hand, is distilled using a column still, sharing the grain whisky making. Whilst the second distillation parts a lightness to Cognac, Armagnac's single distillation offers a more rustic and heavier spirit.

Wood policy

Limousin oak casks are shared by both Cognac and Armagnac, but the latter uses a more traditional type of black oak that is local to the region of Armagnac called Monlezun oak. In addition to Limousin, Cognac also uses Tronçais where the tighter wood grain results in a softer maturation of the eaux-de-vie it provides.

Terroir

The differences in geography between Cognac and Armagnac are most noticeable in their respective terroirs. Whilst Cognac has predominantly chalky soil, Armagnac sees sandy soil as the main feature.

Why now is the time to collect Cognac and Armagnac

Cognac and Armagnac can often be undervalued on the secondary market, and collectors can often find 50-year-old Armagnac of superb quality starting at £300-£500.

Prices for collectable bottles of spirit are usually determined by quality, age and scarcity, and as demand for old vintages and unique releases is growing, there is no better time to collect some of the most desirable Cognac and Armagnac ever produced.

Auctions such as The Old, the Rare and the Only offered excellent choices for new and seasoned collectors alike. Vintages such as lots 73 and 99 provided great value at a reasonable price for those looking to start a collection. Those looking to expand their collections with excellence are also spoilt for choice with a selection of unique '1 of 1s' such as lot 86.

With so much choice at your fingertips, now is the time to buy. Contact whisky@bonhams.com to find out more.