Armagnac: The Definitive Guide to France's Premier Brandy

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding resourse for any lover of brandy
Review: Although this volume is dedicated to the appreciation of armagnac, it is the most informative single volume I've found on French brandy in general. Compared to the glossy photo-filled guidebooks on cognac, it might appear a bit crude with its black-and-white photos and idiosyncratic text. But it is packed with the kind of straightforward, unvarnished information about armagnac and cognac -- production techniques, additives, relative sales volume -- that is altogether missing from those prettier books, yet is absolutely essential for understanding the fundamental differences between these two wonderful brandies. Mr. Neal has an insider's knowledge (and strong opinions), but is generally evenhanded in his treatment of the relative merits of armagnac and cognac. His thumbnail reviews of a voluminous number of specific bottlings and vintages are an indispensible purchasing guide, even if many of them are (sadly) not available beyond the estates where they are distilled and bottled. Overall, an essential addition to the brandy-lover's library.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent overview, especially for the novice
Review: If you've only heard about, or had a taste of, the excellent alternative to cognac, this book will give you the big picture beautifully. Growers and producers are discussed at some length, there's excellent info on the region and its customs, and there is special attention given to some of the more technical aspects of production and character. The photos are a little dark, but the text is so lively they're almost superfluous. If you're intrigued by the topic or want to know more, this is the resource you need.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent overview, especially for the novice
Review: This book has (some) values for all Armagnac-interested persons. For the novice will it provide ample information about Armagnac (what is it, where is it, etc) and for the 'half-pro', many tasting notes and details of producers. For a 'professional' Armagnac drinker, however, the details about the individual producers are somewhat lacking; also it suffers from the absolute lack of color pictures (only b/w), but all-in-all recommendable (basically since no other documentation on the subject exists)

Rating:
Summary: Finally someone provides an overview of the Armagnac region
Review: This book has (some) values for all Armagnac-interested persons. For the novice will it provide ample information about Armagnac (what is it, where is it, etc) and for the 'half-pro', many tasting notes and details of producers. For a 'professional' Armagnac drinker, however, the details about the individual producers are somewhat lacking; also it suffers from the absolute lack of color pictures (only b/w), but all-in-all recommendable (basically since no other documentation on the subject exists)