There's a trend going around in America that is catching on and taking off with bartenders, mixologists, and patrons alike with the production of clear spirits that are traditionally know to be brown. Many brown spirits producers have started introducing un oaked/unaged versions of their spirit - the most well-known example of which is "white dog", or clear, unaged American whiskey (moonshine basically). Well France has been doing this since 1310 with Armagnac but hasn't been recognized until 2005 referred to as "la Blanche".

Blanche is a white Armagnac from the oldest family-owned estate in Gascony, Chateau du Tariquet. This eau-de-vie has been Gascony's hidden gem for hundreds of years but has only been on the American scene for about 10 years now. It is now that the spirit is being known as an astonishing alternative to more popular clear spirits such as vodka, gin, and white rum.

Fruity and floral, this Armagnac is "relaxed" in stainless steel tanks for only three months after its distillation. This gives it that fresh and sharp edge that only clear spirits can sustain. Blanche Armagnac was traditionally served as a palate-cleaner between course, but has since been incorporated as an accompaniment to many dishes, and now is being used as a versatile base for many cocktail recipes. (See Below)

Blanche Mojito

• 2-3 oz Chateau Du Tariquet Blanche Armagnac
• 2-3 Wedges of Lime
• 5-6 Leaves of Fresh Mint
• 1-2 tbsp Brown Sugar
• 3-4 oz Perrier

Place Lime, Mint, and Sugar in a glass then muddle. Add crushed ice then the Armagnac; lightly shake or stir. Top with Perrier

Blanch Sunrise

• 2 oz Chateau Du Tariquet Blanche Armagnac
• 1 oz Curacao
• 1 oz Orange Juice
• 3 oz Pineapple Juice

Fill shaker with ice, Add the Armagnac, Curacao, Orange Juice, and Pineapple Juice. Shake and strain into Martini Glass

Blanche Berry

• 2-3 oz Chateau Du Tariquet Blanche Armagnac
• 2-3 Lime Wedges
• 1/4 oz Sugar Cane Syrup (Simple Syrup)
• 2 oz Passion Fruit Juice

In a mixing glass add Lime Wedges and Syrup; Muddle. Fill with ice, add the Armagnac and shake till very cold. Strain into Champagne Glass with the Juice at the bottom to get a layered effect

Avant Le Canon

• 2 oz Chateau Du Tariquet Blanche Armagnac
• 1 oz Mandarine Juice
• 1 oz Lemon Juice
• 1/4 oz Simple Syrup

In a Rocks Glass; add 1 Large Ice Cube. In this order add the Mandarine Juice, Lemon Juice, and then Armagnac. Using a Spoon, Drizzle the Simple Syrup over the Ice Cube

As you can see, Chateau Du Tariquet Blanche Armagnac can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Some people swear by just keeping it in the freezer and enjoying it that way. But be that as it may, the Blanche Armagnac can be used in a variety of new cocktail recipes. The next time you are at a bar or your home, try a cocktail made with this amazing clear Armagnac and let me know what you think.