Armagnac

Here's the thing you need to know about Armagnac—don't ever call it Cognac.

While both fall under the category of Brandy, this distilled Wine distinguishes itself on one primary point: location.

Armagnac hails from the Armagnac region in Gascony, France, and is largely distilled using alembic continuous stills. It's higher in alcohol than Cognac, too.

Helluva selling point there.

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To delve even deeper with Cognac and Armagnac, they live about 180 miles apart, so they're practically neighbours. Their climates differ slightly but think north-western California or Cape Cod. Cognac is mostly made from one sort of grape, while Armagnac loves variety. The most interesting difference is their PR: Armagnac is one of the oldest Spirits on the planet and it was rarely exported. Cognac, on the other hand, was the export blockbuster with good marketing. It even had Napoleon III as its poster boy, who made sure Cognac was sold in every medieval supermarket.

If we’re calling dibs on who gets first-born privileges, Armagnac edges out Cognac. The Spirit is the oldest type of Brandy in France, with documented distillation dating back to the early 15th century.

The best way to enjoy a Calvados or Cognac is in a balloon-shaped snifter. Armagnac? Try a Champagne flute or a tulip-style glass instead.