What's it all about?

[Fred]

Armagnac that is, I've become interested in it by a sales catalog that I received from a local shop - what is it made of, what does it taste like, any recommendation for a starter?

Thanks

Fred

[Jason]

Similar to Cognac, but more rustic and less finesse. Armagnac use a different distillation method than Cognac and focuses on smaller producers that make vintage product. Also try Calvados to round out the French brandy thing.