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EP 840 Armagnac – The Oldest Spirit In The World

Gary sits down with Denis Lesgourgues from the Armagnac house Chateau de Laubade. Denis shares some serious knowledge about this spirit from Southwestern France and taste through 3 different Armagnacs.

Wines tasted in this episode:

Chateau De Laubade XO Armagnac
1974 Chateau De Laubade Armagnac
Chateau De Laubade Armagnac Extra

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lev isl

1959 armagnac laubade for sale andmore high end liqur email ffor my # lev818isk@gmail.com

Tags: Armagnac, review, Spirit, Video

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  • L7guitar

    I especially enjoyed the explanation of why cognac sells more that Armagnac. Looking to try Armagnac with some vanilla ice cream!

  • Mr. V,
    I am going to post a big one here! I truly enjoyed this episode about Armagnac. It was stimulating, educational, and inspired me to realize, time and again, how great and big the world is. I really learned so much. It was wonderful to see you sincerely enjoying the exchange with Mr. Lesgourgues.
    I discovered Wine Library TV two weeks ago through a video of you on TED.com and I simply love everything that you are doing. You have inspired me much more than I could ever express through written form. Thank you.

  • MarkG

    Ok, you've convinced me, as of now I am a former lurker. Great show, good guest, I learned a lot about Armagnac and would like to try one sometime when i'm not on a budget (CKC for the next two months). Armagnac and ice cream sounds really good, can't wait to try it.

  • leni

    Great show. I love the guest and learning about Armagnac, I'll have to try some soon. I actually had single malt scotch with vanilla ice cream last night, it was the bomb.

  • Golcon

    Occasional viewer, first time commenter. I am a chef and would like to share not a cocktail but food recipe. 15 years ago I was working in a private dining club and they served lobster bisque everyday. They would garnish it with a dallop of heavy cream whipped with armagnac. As the cream melts into the soup it adds the complex flavors and raw alcohol of armagnac and takes it over the top. I have a bottle of '68 Larressingle(bottled '98) in the bar for special occassions (that never seem to happen because we already have opened a couple special bottles of wine). I got it out and tippled a glass while watching this afternoon and have never enjoyed it more. A great show. There are a lot of great things in this world we should open ourselves up to.

  • zinriki

    Loved it!

  • tofferotti

    Great episode. I have given many bottles of Laubade Armagnac as birthday gifts because of all the vintages available. Nice to see one of the producers family members.

  • aveyron

    About prices, you do not have to spend so much to have some typical flavours from young Armagnac, like dried plump, think of producers like Gelas and so on….

    As for me, the other point that should be emphasized about Armagnac is the drinkability. It is a dry brandy that you want to pour again and again in your glass, realy adictive. It is the spirit of “joie de vivre”, freindship and enjoyment.

  • plcb

    Phenomenal (spell?) education! Thank you. Merci. Thank you. I feel empowered (spell?)with this much Armagnac knowledge.

    QOTD: Based on your comparison to single malt scotch, I would say no to a cocktail or a recipe. It's a sipper.

    From Gascogne I've enjoyed many Ugni Blanc-Collombard still whites. They are within my thrifty budget.

  • justiles

    Great show. Need to save up to get a bottle.

    What temp do you drink this at? Room temp or do you warm it a bit with your hands?

  • nickgrzenda

    Great show, Armagnac is one of my favorites.

    I haven't said this yet, and I know you've gotten a lot of complaints over it, but you were really cutting off and interrupting Denis in this one. It hasn't bothered me a whole lot in the past, but this one was bad with the interruptions.

  • pawncop

    This was an outstanding episode. I loved it. New knowledge, great guest, you did pretty darn good as an interviewer there Gary. You brought out information we needed.

    Denis thank you so much for your passion and committment to your craft.

    I am unable to answer the Question of the Day as I have never tried an Armagnac, but will be utting on my list of new spirits to try.

    Thank you both for a most enjoyable episode.

  • Scott the ex wine dude

    I have a bottle of Chateau de Laubade 1959 that I have had for over a decade and have never opened. I guess it is about time to do so.

  • slimdogny

    I have not had much cognac and never armagnac. I would venture to say this is sip on its own type beverage.

    Such a wealth of knowledge in this guest. Interesting about bottling, fascinating actually.

    Pretty good as an interviewer on this, but I would have liked to have heard him finish his sentences and thoughts more on his own. However, the questions you brought out and points you made were spot on. I would have liked to hear more about the flavor profiles though.

  • I've enjoyed Armagnac but not in a long time(hard to find and expensive in the US).. and this was a great and educational WLTV! Going to seek some out now!
    QOTD: Never thought to drink it as an aperitif.. always as a digestif

  • ahillsey

    EDUCATIONAL and I loved it.

  • tedflem

    Been watching for about a month. But Im no longer a “Lurker.” This show was super interesting and informative. I tried a cognac for the first time about a month ago. I have tried a few different single malt scotches. I have been very impressed by all of them, and it sounds like Armangac would really suit my pallet.

  • scotty b

    Best show in awhile GV. Super informative. Great humble guest. Great job!

    QOTD: Never had armagnac, but would love to try it.

  • jared

    thumbs up, dude. great show. I'll have to give armagnac a try.

  • been watching since '07 and this was by far my favorite episode! Subsequently this is my first comment on a video, I guess I'm officially a 'non-lurker'…garyvee don't stop this biz til you're dead! Love it!

    p.s. your interview skills were top notch in this vid gary, maybe you should take a shot of armagnac everytime before you do an interview 😉

  • Fonzie1568

    Have tried a few armanacs at the brandy library in nyc, and loved the Domaine d? Esperance, great stuff!!!

  • divyamistry

    Never even heard of Armagnac, let alone try it! Something to look out for next time I'm out in the Cali. Thanks for bringing the guest. Absolutely love these long learning episodes. Fascinating stuff!

  • Fascinating episode. There is sooo much to grapes. I'd love to one day (hopefully soon) visit France/Italy and experience the history and atmosphere for myself.
    QOTD – I've never had Armagnac but after that episode I can't imagine trying it any way but by it self. Maybe after I've tried it I can experiment with it in a cocktail.

  • This is Michael in Kyoto, Japan and I am getting a bottle of armagnac tonight!

    Denis was a great guest, but Gary, do you think you interrupted him enough? ?

  • maurice o mahony

    Brilliant episode. Never tried Armagnac. Having watched this episode, I am going out to buy a bottle. Incredibly interesting show. Made me lose my lurker status !! Really would not have thought about Armagnac as I'm not really a spirit drinker. This episode will make me try something new. Thanks Gary

  • philoxera

    Deep question…After years of meditaition and self discovery…er er…I dont know either

    have a good easter Elron

  • philoxera

    Off to Limerick for a pint today

  • Karl

    Great show Gary, great interaction with the guest and very informative.
    QOTD – never having tried armagnac – but incorporating into a coffee cocktail sounds good.

  • peterwaisberg

    Thanks for a great show. This type of in-depth approach with someone from the trade that really breaks it down is perhaps the best way to get the message out. Denis' passion and deep knowledge really came through; and, like others have said, your interviewing skills have really evolved (far fewer , but better timed interruptions) and lent themselves to really opening up the topic. So good that I am not even lurking.
    QOTD: Armagnac sidecar is killer and the perfect use for 3 star/VS.

  • johnyhamm

    This was a great episode. The guest was extremely interesting and I learned quite a bit. I had never heard of Armagnac and I will be keeping my eyes open for a bottle sometime. Might have save up for one of the single vintages though 😉

    QOTD: I have not tried it yet but does ice cream and armagnac count as a cocktail 🙂

  • Viny

    QOTD: Never as yet.
    Excellent show, great pleasant atmosphere here with a very nice and knowledgable guest.

  • Beeper

    Please do more episodes like THIS

  • Alexcswcs

    Huge Armagnac fan… But even more of a fan of Roaring Forties… tasmanian blue…. GO TRY IT!!!! sharp, sweet, and a little crystaling, great cheese… love armagnac though, great show, and awesome guest… thanks

  • Phil G

    Great show, very glad to learn so much about this spirit! Awesome guest.

    QOTD – I don't think I have ever had an Armagnac (yet), so I don't have any drink or cocktail recomendations.

  • norcalwingman

    Gary, when you going to do the Grappa?
    -Brian
    http://norcalwingman.com

  • Dave

    For NYC viewers, The Brandy Library in Tribeca has an outstanding Armagnac list by the glass.

    How about a Spanish Brandy show?

  • Emily

    That was a groovy Armagnac presentation and I am converted although already drinking a Castarade 79. The VSOP bottle, in the early stages of the show was in the way of full appreciation of your gorgeous guest and honey, in the kindest possible way, you need a manicure. Apart from that it was great and Gascony is the place to be if you are an Armagnac fan X

  • Emily

    Try Blanche Armagnac with wizzed up kiwi fruit, lime juice, tonic water and honey…..

  • Great show and guest.

  • norcalwingman

    Gary, at 350 “US Bones” I'd be hard pressed to mix with anything but a Cuban cigar!

    I'll try and find a younger, less spendy one and see what she might mix with. My guess, is any recipe calling for brandy could be sub'd out with armagnac.

  • Hey Guys

    Great show, lot's of info and not much sales; great work.

    QOTD: I'm not a big cocktail man and would never think of mixing Armagnac in a cocktail – what a waste!

    Cheers
    Andrew

  • Awesome show! Although, while the history and information behind Armagnac is fascinating and kept me engaged, you barely talked about the taste!

    QOTD: I'm not a cocktail drinker, and at $80-$350, these are waaaaaay outside of what I can afford.

  • TBA_lover

    Loved the topic. Very informative. Best guest since Heidi and most interesting region since the Mallorca eposode. We need more of the great unknowns, more explanations of fantastic historic and unique winemaking practices of the world. Next up… Maury Mas Amiel? Rutherglen Muscat?
    qotd – How can you possibly take an armagnac, blend into a drink and make it better?

  • bachus'n'ariadne

    fantastic guest and great “guest-host chemistry”.i infact worked with ch. de laubade in russia before the recession hit hard,and the brand was doing very well.i even attended a tasting hosted by deni's brother probably:)however, i traveled back to russia a few weeks ago,and most flagship shops and restaurants aren't in good shape already.awesome show overall!
    QOTD:…..god forbid!

  • folly

    good episode – very informative

  • GREAT EPIC EPISODE! I totally see the GV educational alcohol show starting to form up. Let's get this going on the Food Network baby! Can't wait to have even more in-depth looks at other wine regions and alcohol types.

    Not to try to be a know-it-all, but I did have a couple of insights into this episode too: #1)It was the Dutch who really started up the whole brandy economy in France back in the day, both in Cognac and Armagnac, through infusions of capital combined with their international shipping prowess and their demand for the spirit itself. The word 'brandy' itself is of Dutch origin and kind of means 'burnt wine' in reference to the distillation process. A totally unrelated: #2)The Indian market is hard to break into because the Indian government subsidizes their local distilling industries to make extremely cheap local rum, scotch, and vodka rip-offs. You can get a fifth of Indian scotch for a couple of US bones. And it does the job.

    On a personal note, Roaring Forties is the total cheese wheel bomb!

    Great guest and great interview as always GV.

  • wes

    ” Long time lurker ,first time poster” It was a a great joy to watch and learn so much about Armagnac. As for recipes after watching this me and a fellow friend went out and found a young Armagnac.

    1 1/2 parts Dartigalongue XO 10 year Armagnac

    2 tablespoons Orange juice concentrate

    add club soda and shake

  • Kolya

    Fantastic Show. I fear that Armagnac may become too pricey after shows this well done!

  • stevez65

    Awesome show. very engaging. definately makes me want to try some. I like the sauternes, sherry, vintage and tawny port — so i'm excited to give armagnac a try. thanks.

  • Very informative Gary and Denis. I'm not a “spirits” drinker myself (just wine please 😉 but I did watch to the end simply because of the great interaction and interview!

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