Assemblies

Blending or assemblies (Assemblage in French) in Armagnac refers to the practice of blending different eaux-de-vie to create a balanced, high-quality end product. Blends can vary in terms of age, flavor profile and origin of the eaux-de-vie used. 

For example, a 15-year blend means that the youngest of the armagnacs blended has aged for 15 years.

Blends may also be designated by names such as V.S (Very Special), V.S.O.P (Very Superior Old Pale), and X.O (Extra Old) or Hors d'Âge, which indicate the ageing period of the eaux-de-vie used:

V.S : aged for at least one year in casks

V.O.S.P : aged a minimum of 4 years in casks

X.O (or Hors d'Âge): aged for a minimum of 10 years in casks

Independent producers play a key role in the diversity and typicity of Armagnac eaux-de-vie, using their know-how to create unique blends.