As warm Spring weather quickly approaches, we asked Christine Cooney, co-founder of Heavenly Spirits Imports about the topic of French inspired Spring cocktails and here is what she had to say.

A lot of questions abound about French brandies, especially Armagnac and Calvados. But myths and misconceptions arise even around France’s most famous Brandy export, Cognac.

Armagnac, the grape-based brandy from France’s Gascony region, is a delightful spirit well worth a pour. Although almost every discussion of the category begins by referencing Cognac—the other, more famous French brandy—Armagnac has no problem holding its own.

“Single Casks,” That Is! Cognac, Armagnac, and Calvados Producers Join in on the Fun

In this month’s Armagnac primer, we learn the basics about this French eau de vie, three things that differentiate it from its neighbour Cognac, and innovative expressions coming out of Dartigalongue Armagnac House with our guest Benoit Hillion.

The Nogaro Armagnac House, managed by Benoît Hillion, was distinguished during the first edition of the “Spirits of the Year” competition

Top brandies that bartenders should be mixing with right now.

Armagnac is a grape brandy that is produced in the Armagnac region of the French province of Gascony. This region was the first in France to begin distilling grape-based spirits, making Armagnac the oldest brandy still produced in France and predating its better-known cousins in Cognac by several centuries.

While other spirits are ruled by huge brands and corporations, Armagnac producers are true independents, often with tiny teams – and their artisanal approach is paying dividends.Description goes here

Blanche is essentially the Armagnac that comes directly out the the still.

or several months, sales of Armagnac have exploded abroad. Economic recovery is not the only explanation. Testimony of several Armagnacais

With cognac’s dominance, it can be difficult for other styles of brandy to gain visibility. But brandies from elsewhere in France, from the U.S., and from farther afield deserve attention, too. Their vibrant range of flavors and traditions show that the potential of aged grape distillates goes far beyond a single style.

The director of Maison Dartigalongue succeeds Denis Lesgourgues at the head of the Armagnac and Gascony wine union

“We have always loved to eat good food here in Gascony – our local food is delicious, but it’s also simple,” says Benoit Hillion of Bas-Armagnac Dartigalongue, the oldest brandy producer in the region.

What makes an ultra-aged spirit worth the time—and 16 bottles to add to your collection

Fine & Rare, a restaurant and bar in Midtown Manhattan, recently held an Armagnac tasting to educate its servers and bartenders about the lesser-known French brandy.

Five good reasons to convert when you're a fan of single malts. Yes Yes.

With one or two exceptions, these eleven bottles can be found at the last minute. That’s good, you haven’t chosen your gift yet!

THE MAITRE DU CHAI'S INTIMATE ALCHEMY WITH HIS ARMAGNAC

According to Françoise Dartigalongue, "To perceive all of an eau-de-vie's qualities and flaws, it must never be drunk at a high volume of alcohol. Rather, it should be served a few minutes before tasting, to allow it to open and air and release all of its aromas."

Decadent? Yes, incredibly so. And it only fueled my new Armagnac desire.

Armagnac. Just saying the word, with all those silent letters, is enough to trigger a sexy, smooth impression about this French brandy, which for many a sophisticated palate rivals cognac, its slicker, commercially exploited (and widely exported) cousin.

Armagnac, France’s other great brandy, a country cousin with surprising qualities

Armagnac will never see sales on par with those of vodka—or even other aged spirits like bourbon or single-malt scotch. But as the whiskey market booms and prices rise (especially in the U.S.) and drinkers increasingly look for spirits with a sense of not just quality, but authenticity, Armagnac is finally drawing more attention.

Tucked between the sea, the storied vineyards of Bordeaux, and the towering Pyrenees, bucolic Gascony has long been known for its hearty rustic cuisine and most famous export, Armagnac.