What mandatory distillation method distinguishes the oldest French brandy, Armagnac, from Cognac?
Answer
A continuous distillation method.
Both Cognac and Armagnac are prestigious aged grape brandies from Southwest France, but their production methods diverge significantly, impacting their flavor profiles. Cognac is specifically described as being double-distilled and aged in oak barrels. Conversely, Armagnac, which boasts records dating back to the 14th century, utilizes a continuous distillation method. This difference in distillation technique contributes to Armagnac developing rich flavors characterized by dried fruit and spice, setting it apart from the profiles typically associated with Cognac.
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