While Cognac may be the better-known French brandy, the bold, rustic charm of Armagnac and the apple-kissed elegance of Calvados are quietly becoming favorites among spirit enthusiasts—especially during the festive season. If you're hosting guests, gifting a collector, or just looking to expand your holiday bar cart, these two spirits deserve your attention. At Blackwell’s Wines & Spirits, we’ve curated a standout selection of both, perfect for sipping fireside or sharing over dessert.
Why Choose Armagnac or Calvados?
Armagnac hails from Gascony and is typically distilled just once, resulting in a spirit that’s earthier and more textured than Cognac. Calvados is apple (and sometimes pear) brandy from Normandy, known for its orchard fruit, vibrant spice, and aging potential. Both are artisanally produced, offer exceptional value, and are increasingly sought after by spirits lovers seeking something outside the mainstream.
Holiday-Worthy Armagnacs
Armagnac offers warmth, spice, and depth—everything you want from a post-dinner pour. Here are some of our favorite expressions available now:
- Delord 25 Year Old Bas-Armagnac — Rich with dried fruit, cocoa, and spice. Aged to perfection for special occasions or collectors.
- Delord Napoleon Bas-Armagnac — A versatile bottle with toffee, vanilla, and fig notes. Ideal for gifting or after-dinner sipping.
- Laberdolive Bas-Armagnac Vintage 1993 — A single-vintage bottling with deep complexity. Limited quantities for connoisseurs.
- Marquis de Montesquiou Extra Old Armagnac — Dark and layered with toasted oak, dried apricot, and nutmeg. A hidden gem for under $100.
Apple Elegance: Calvados for the Season
From baked apple desserts to charcuterie boards, Calvados complements the flavors of fall and winter like few other spirits. Try these elegant expressions:
- Adrien Camut Réserve de Semainville Calvados — Complex, honeyed, and aromatic. A luxurious expression from Normandy's finest producer.
- Adrien Camut 6 Years Old Pays d'Auge — Lively and youthful, full of green apple and spice. A great introduction to Calvados.
- Lemorton Réserve Calvados — A blend of apples and pears with rustic depth and notes of baking spice.
- Christian Drouin Calvados Sélection — Bright, clean, and perfect for cocktails or neat sipping with dessert.
How to Serve Armagnac & Calvados
These spirits are incredibly versatile, whether sipped neat or used creatively in cocktails. Here are a few ideas:
- Neat: Serve in a tulip glass or snifter to allow the aromas to open up. Ideal after dinner by the fire.
- Pair with food: Try Armagnac with duck confit or dark chocolate. Calvados pairs beautifully with pork, apples, and buttery desserts.
- In cocktails: Use Calvados in a hot toddy, or swap Armagnac into a classic Old Fashioned for added depth.
Why These Spirits Make the Perfect Holiday Gift
Looking for a gift for the collector who has everything? Or the host who deserves something special? Armagnac and Calvados offer originality, story, and timeless appeal. Each bottle is a reflection of region, tradition, and craftsmanship—whether it’s a 1993 vintage Armagnac or a single-estate Pays d’Auge Calvados.
They also present beautifully. Labels and packaging often reflect the rustic luxury of the region, making them excellent for gifting without the need for additional wrapping.
Pro Tips for Buying
- Age isn't everything: While 25-year and XO bottlings are impressive, younger Calvados and Armagnac can be brighter and better for cocktails or food pairing.
- Look for vintage designations: Particularly in Armagnac, vintages offer depth and uniqueness not often found in blended Cognac.
- Go small-batch: Producers like Camut and Laberdolive focus on craft over mass production—ideal for collectors.
Final Thoughts
This holiday season, expand your celebration beyond the obvious. Armagnac and Calvados offer a gateway to tradition, depth, and French regional identity. Whether served after dinner, sipped slowly by the fire, or wrapped as a thoughtful gift, these bottles belong on your shelf—and in your glass.
Explore the full range of Armagnac and Calvados at Blackwell’s Armagnac Collection and Calvados Collection. Cheers to festive discoveries and new traditions.
