Can Armagnac Make You Live Longer?

Researchers in France believe that Armagnac may help ward of heart disease, reduce obesity and help people lead longer lives.

Armagnac is a brandy that comes from the Gascony region of France. Researchers at the University of Bordeaux are studying why residents of Gascony live an average of five years longer than people in the rest of France. One answer might be a daily slug of Armagnac.

The scientists are looking at how Armagnac is distilled and the oak barrels where it is aged. The study found a low incidence of heart disease in the Gascony region, even though residents consume a diet similar to the rest of France and are heavy smokers.

The researchers study Armagnac on platelets in test tubes and found the drink has a similar positive benefit to the anti-thrombosis drug Plavix. In tests with humans, the brandy was compared to vodka and had a more positive result. The researchers also noted the Armagnac was better than daily doses of aspirin because it did not interfere with blood clotting in the case of a cut or injury.

A $38,165 Stop at the Duty Free

If you travel at all internationally, you will find yourself in a duty free shop or two. Chances are you might even grab a bottle of spirits or wine that is remarkably affordable because the taxes are stripped away. However, few of us will ever have the desire or the means to match the prowess of a Chinese tourist who passed through the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris on Tuesday.

The unidentified man dropped $38,165 on brandy and wine during a 15-minute whirlwind shopping spree and then boarded a plane for Beijing. Among his take was an 1806 bottle of Cognac, a 1900 bottle of Armagnac and a 1945 Chateau Mouton Rothschild.

The Paris duty free shop has recently added personal shoppers to assist wealthy travelers wishing to avoid the tax man.

Tuesday Tasting: Six Styles of Brandy

Tuesday Tasting is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores some of the best beers, wines and spirits on the market. This week we taste six different brandies from around the world.

The word brandy comes from the Dutch "brandewijn," which means burnt wine. It is made just about anywhere that industrious people can find grapes or fruit and a still. Brandy can range from highbrow Cognac to more down to earth applejack. Grappa, Calvados and Armagnac are all types of brandy. Sometimes you can even find a brandy labeled as a brandy. Most of the good ones result from talented distillers and proper aging. I tasted a range of six different brandies and found an amazing array of styles. All of the brandies tasted were 80-proof.

Courvoisier XO Imperial Cognac: This is a French classic, amber color, with hints of vanilla in the nose, then nuts, orange peel and a long wood finish in the flavor profile. A great drink for the end of an evening.

Marnier-Lapostolle XO Armagnac: While this French region is not as well known as Cognac, this brandy does not take a back seat to many. A nice almond nose, the rich thick flavor profile has hints of mocha and nuts.

RMS Distillery Special Reserve: This 7-year-old alambic brandy is made in the Napa Valley. It has a rich amber color, with a touch of smoke and hints of wood throughout the flavor profile.

Azteca de Oro Solera Reservada: This Mexican brandy is aged for 12 years using the solera method. It is a deep mahogany color with a rich coffee and baker's chocolate flavor profile. It is popular to use this brandy in cocktails, but it stands on its own as a fine drink.

Busnels Fine Calvados: This distillery was founded in 1820 in the Pays d'Auge region of France. They use 16 pounds of apples to make each bottle. It has a copper color and toffee nose. There is a rich layered flavor profile and a slightly oaky finish.

Westford Hills Pear William Eau-de-vie: Made in Connecticut from Bartlett pears, this clear brandy has a pear skin and slightly agave nose, with a distinct crisp pear flavor. It finishes with a warm bite. It could be a nice touch to a vodka martini.