Enjoy armagnac in your bath...

Don't let Valentines Day pass you by this year without experiencing Cassagnac - think Baileys but made with a lovely smooth Armagnac instead of Irish whiskey.

Enjoy a large measure poured over ice while you enjoy a hot and bubble-filled bath, pour liberally over ice cream for a speedy and delicious pudding or bring a couple of stale croissants back to life used within a bread & butter pudding recipe – delicious.

How do you drink yours?

Available from Carrefour (Condom) €14.95, Gamm Vert (Condom) or directly from Château de Cassaigne.

http://www.chateaudecassaigne.com/welcome.htm

Armagnothèque Tasting - Chateau du Tariquet

Thank you Armin, Séverine, Amanda and all at Tariquet for a wonderful dining and Armagnac tasting experience 'under' the warming copper still at Tariquet - magnifique!

CLICK HERE to see all the images of this wonderful evening including tasting notes on the Armagnacs we tried.

Armagnothèque Tasting & Lunch

Armagnothèque Tasting & Lunch at Darroze Armagnac on 18 February 2011.

'Darroze Armagnacs are served at all the three-star Michelin restaurants in France, as well as many other famous restaurants across the country. Their reputation as the ne plus ultras of Armagnac is unquestioned.'

After visiting the Darroze visitor centre in Roquefort (40120) and enjoying a tasting we will proceed to the excellent restaurant, 'Hotel de France' in St. Justin for lunch (typically around €20 for 3 courses).

To reserve your place(s) - please email me by clicking on my email address below, or click here for details of how to get in touch.

For maps and directions please click here.

We look forward to seeing you in 2011!

Amitiés Gasconne,

Mark and Amy

CLICK HERE TO SEE ORIGINAL EMAILING

Let it Blanche, let it Blanche, let it Blanche...

Earlier this year we were able to taste the excellent and deliciously aromatic Blanche Armagnac from Domaine des Cassagnoles (their shop is located close to Gondrin between Condom and Eauze). Until last night I couldn’t decide if I preferred it straight-up at room temperature or ‘frozen’ and poured over and to accompany Prune & Armagnac ice cream. Now however this Yuletide Martini has entered my life and has gone straight in at number one!!

Ingredients

* Ice cubes
* 250ml Blanche Armagnac
* 75ml dry vermouth
* 125ml cranberry juice
* 8 cranberries, frozen
* 4 lemon zest twists

Preparation

1. Put 4 martini glasses in the freezer to chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Just before serving, fill a cocktail shaker half full with ice. Pour in the Blanche, vermouth and cranberry juice. Cover with the lid and shake vigorously up and down for about 10 seconds. Strain into the chilled glasses, dividing evenly.
3. Garnish each glass with 2 frozen cranberries and a lemon twist. Serve immediately.

Serves 4.

Armagnac Domaine de Meillan - 20 Ans

After arriving in Gascony, this wonderfully integrated Armagnac was one of my first discoveries and I regularly return for more. Unquestionably one of my favourites, I could drink it all night long!

If I were a house this Armagnac would definitely be my central-heating

Domaine de La Haille 1979 Ténarèze Armagnac (Gold Medal - Paris) joins the list of tried and tested

Armagnac Dupeyron XO

The dark and seductive Armagnac Dupeyron XO joins my list of 'tried and tested' Armagnacs.

Click here for more.