Armagnac is a fragrant brandy from the French province of Gascony. Its closest relative, cognac, although 150 years younger, is more popular. But connoisseurs say that his best aged brands are thinner and more magnificent in texture, taste, aroma. Armagnac, unlike cognac, is distilled only once, which means that it spends longer in barrels (from the local black oak), and therefore is more elegant and round.
It is necessary
- - cognac glass;
- - coffee and cigar;
- - dessert.
Instructions
Step 1
Armagnac is a digestif (a drink that helps digestion), so serve it 10-15 minutes after a meal or with desserts. Suitable additions to this drink are various almond cakes such as macaroons, apple pies and vanilla cream pies, sweets containing nougat and chocolate, caramelized pears and apples, fruit salads. Armagnac is also great, accompanied by good coffee and a light cigar.
Step 2
Traditionally, a cognac glass is used for Armagnac, but true connoisseurs believe that the taste of this drink is best felt in a thin glass brandy glass. The famous Klaus Riedel, who in the second half of the last century developed several designs of special glasses that emphasize the taste of various drinks, did not pass by his attention and Armagnac. Since these glasses have 28 international awards, are recognized by associations of bartenders from all over the world and are highly valued by connoisseurs, for true enjoyment of the drink, connoisseurs choose the Riedel Armagnac glass.
Step 3
Pour no more than 150 grams of the drink into the glass. Rate the color and clarity of the drink. Then inhale the bouquet. In no case do not "immerse" your nose in the glass. Armagnac is a strong drink and all you smell is alcohol fumes. Instead, hold the glass at chest level and let the scent rise. In a minute, you will smell vanilla, toffee, nougat, pepper, roses and chocolate. Bring the drink closer to you, dip your finger in Armagnac and apply it like perfume to your wrist (this trick is familiar to tasters of good cognac). The warmth of your body will make the alcohol evaporate and in about a minute you will be able to enjoy the second wave of smells - creamy toffee, licorice root, flowers and fruits.
Step 4
Take and sip a little from the glass. About half a teaspoon of the drink. Hold the liquid in your mouth, spread it over your cheeks, over your tongue and gums. Enjoy the flavor and texture.
Step 5
Hold the glass in your hand, enjoy the aroma and sip a little. When heated, Armagnac will change the shades of taste and aroma. Sip on the drink, enjoying the change in it and contemplating its play in the glass.
