Buy Cartron at ’t Bockje Bathmen

Both are French grape brandy, but there are two differences you can taste. Armagnac is usually distilled once instead of twice, which keeps more of the grape's flavour: bolder and more rustic. And it comes from Gascony, a region much smaller and more rural than Cognac.

What is special is that armagnac is often sold as a vintage: the spirit from a single harvest year, without blending. That makes it a nice gift for a birth year or anniversary.

Serve it at room temperature in a tulip glass.

Armagnac is often sold by vintage. Handy if you are looking for a birth year.