France's oldest brandy, and its most overlooked. Distilled once — not twice — on a single continuous still in Gascony, then left in black oak for well over a decade. Where cognac is polished, Armagnac is rustic, deeper and far more interesting.
The estate is founded in the Bas-Armagnac, the sandy-soiled western sub-region that produces the region's finest brandy.
Four Grapes
Ugni Blanc, Baco, Folle Blanche and Colombard — all grown on the estate, all vinified and distilled separately.
One Pass
A single continuous distillation in an alambic armagnacais. Less rectification than cognac means more of the fruit survives.
Black Oak
Aged in local Gascon black oak for well beyond the ten years XO demands, then blended by the cellar master.
What Sets It Apart
France's Oldest Brandy
Distilled in Gascony two centuries before cognac
Single Distillation
One pass, not two — more fruit, more character
Bas-Armagnac
The most prized of the three sub-regions
Estate Grown
Every grape from the château's own vineyards
Tasting Profile
Dried Fruit
Rancio
Vanilla & Oak
Spice
PruneToasted HazelnutVanillaCandied OrangeLeather
How to Serve It
Neat, Room Temperature
A tulip glass, never a balloon — and never warmed
After Dinner
The traditional Gascon digestif, taken slowly
In a Sidecar
Swap the cognac — it makes a far deeper drink
Pairs Well With
A Good Cigar
Old brandy and tobacco, the classic close
Dark Chocolate
Cocoa against prune and rancio
Roquefort
Salt and blue against sweet old oak
Prune & Almond Tart
Gascony's own dessert, for good reason
The Finishing Touches
Green Velvet Gift Box
Our signature presentation box, added at checkout.
Hand-Tied Ribbon
Wide cream satin, tied by hand into a full bow.
Signature Gift Bag
Our matching gift bag, so it's ready to hand over on arrival.
Your Message
Add a personal note at checkout — we'll include it with the delivery.
Sending it as a surprise? Enter the recipient's address at checkout and we'll deliver straight to their door, boxed, ribboned and carrying your message — in as little as 30–45 minutes anywhere in London.
How We Deliver
London · 30–45 Minutes
Delivered to your door 24/7, 365 days a year, across Greater London.
UK-Wide Delivery
Express in 1–2 business days, standard in 3–5. Rates shown at checkout.
Tracked & Confirmed
Shipment confirmation with live tracking sent to your email.
Challenge 21
Age verified on delivery — 18+ ID required. Responsible retailing, always.
At a Glance
Origin
Bas-Armagnac, Gascony, France
House
Château de Laubade, est. 1870
Style
XO Bas-Armagnac
Grapes
Ugni Blanc, Baco, Folle Blanche, Colombard
ABV
40%
Bottle Size
70cl
Questions
How is Armagnac different from cognac?
Two things. Armagnac is usually distilled once rather than twice, which leaves far more of the grape's character in the spirit, and it comes from Gascony rather than Charente. The result is rounder, more rustic and more obviously fruity — where cognac is elegant, Armagnac has depth.
What does XO mean here?
It guarantees the youngest spirit in the blend has spent at least ten years in oak. In practice this bottling is significantly older than the minimum, which is why it shows the dried-fruit and rancio character that only comes with real age.
What is "rancio"?
A prized note in old brandies — nutty, faintly savoury, somewhere between walnut and old leather. It cannot be manufactured or rushed; it only appears after a long time in wood, and its presence is one of the marks of a serious Armagnac.
Who is this a good gift for?
Someone who already knows their cognac and would enjoy the older, less obvious cousin. It is also an outstanding choice for a landmark birthday — Armagnac is the one spirit still routinely bottled by vintage year, so this house is a natural place to start a birth-year collection.
Can you deliver it directly to the person I'm gifting?
Yes — enter their address at checkout and add your message. In London it can be at their door within 30–45 minutes, any hour of the day. The recipient must be 18+ with ID for our Challenge 21 check.
Why Buy From Drinks House 247
✔ 100% authentic stock✔ 4.8★ Google · 223 reviews✔ Gift-boxed and ribboned✔ Open 24/7, 365 days✔ London's 24-hour spirits house, based in Battersea
18+ Please enjoy Château de Laubade responsibly. For guidance and support, visit drinkaware.co.uk.
