Armagnac 1936

A 1936 armagnac, an exceptional bottle

Finding a 1936 vintage armagnac today is almost a stroke of luck. For such a bottle to exist, an estate had to keep its brandy for decades, generation after generation, without ever selling it or mixing it with other harvests. A vintage contains only one harvest, the one written on the label. That is the whole difference with an XO or a hors d'âge, which marry spirits of several ages.

A 1936 is therefore aimed first at collectors and lovers of old armagnac, for whom you want a genuine witness to another era. It is also, of course, the birth year vintage for those celebrating their 90th birthday in 2026.

1936, the year of the Popular Front

In France, 1936 remains the year of the Popular Front. Victorious in the spring elections, the left-wing coalition formed Léon Blum's first government in June. The Matignon Agreements then paved the way for reforms that became famous: the 40 hour week and two weeks of paid holiday (source: Wikipedia, article "Front populaire (France)"). While the country was discovering holidays, the vines of Gascony gave the harvest that would become, much later, the two bottles on this page.

Two Bas-Armagnac houses, two 1936s

Our 1936 armagnac selection brings together two 70 cl bottles, both from Bas-Armagnac, each with its own character:

• Baron de Sigognac: a 1936 at 40% ABV, made from ugni blanc and baco, kept at Château de Bordeneuve, where the Guasch family keeps vintages dating back to 1893. The house describes it as having a fine mahogany amber colour, an intense and extremely fragrant nose, and great finesse and smoothness on the palate;
• Jean Cavé: a 1936 at 43.2% ABV, drawn from the collection of old vintages of this house, based in Lannepax since 1883. The label bears the words Bas-Armagnac AOP; the brandy has never been blended and keeps the natural strength of the cask, with no added water.

Two styles, then: an armagnac brought down to 40% ABV, supple and approachable, and a brut de fût armagnac, more intense, for lovers of natural strength.

Bas-Armagnac, a terroir of the South West

The armagnac appellation covers three terroirs in Gascony: Bas-Armagnac, Ténarèze and Haut-Armagnac. Bas-Armagnac, to the west, on its tawny sands, produces brandies renowned for their finesse and fruit. This is where our two 1936s were born, like most of the old vintages on our site. Terroir, grape varieties and work in the cellar explain why two armagnacs of the same age are never quite alike.

From vine to cask: distillation and ageing

It all starts with a dry white wine made from the grape varieties of the appellation: ugni blanc, baco, folle blanche or colombard. Folle blanche is one of the historic grape varieties of Gascony. During the winter after the harvest, this wine goes through the armagnac still, in continuous distillation, following tradition. This is one difference from cognac, which is distilled twice.

The clear brandy is then aged in oak casks, in the cellar. Over the years, the wood gives it its colour, its tannins and its aromatic range, while part of the alcohol evaporates. A key point: armagnac only ages in the cask. Once in the bottle, it no longer evolves. A well-kept 1936 therefore stays just as the house bottled it, and the bottling date, when it appears on the label, tells you how long it really aged in wood.

Characteristics and tasting of a 90 year old armagnac

An armagnac of this age can often be recognised by its deep mahogany colour. In very old armagnacs, tasting notes suggest prune, candied fruit, vanilla, cocoa, sweet spices and sometimes rancio, the sign of long ageing. The Jean Cavé, higher in alcohol, rewards a patient approach; the Sigognac is softer from the moment it is opened.

Our advice: pour a small amount into a tulip glass, at room temperature, without ice. Let it breathe for several minutes, warm the glass in your hand, then taste in very small sips. An experience like this is best enjoyed on its own, at the end of a meal.

Giving or collecting a 1936 armagnac

Giving a 1936 armagnac means giving a unique object, steeped in history, to open on a great occasion: a 90th birthday, a family gathering, the handing down of a cellar. Many connoisseurs also keep it in their collection, alongside other old vintages such as the 1946 armagnac.

To keep it, store the bottle upright, away from light and heat, so that the alcohol does not touch the cork. Unopened, it will cross the decades without losing its qualities; once opened, it keeps for several months.

Frequently asked questions about 1936 armagnac

How much does a 1936 armagnac cost?

It depends on the house, the rarity of the lot, the strength and the type of bottling. Each product page on this page shows the house, the bottle size and the price.

Where can I buy a 1936 armagnac?

At Plaisirs de Gascogne, an online wine and spirits shop specialising in vintage armagnac: our bottles come directly from the Gascon houses, payment is secure and shipping is handled with care, in France and across Europe. Our customer service will answer your questions before you order.

What are the characteristics of the 1936 armagnac?

These are two Bas-Armagnacs from a single harvest, aged for many years in oak casks: Baron de Sigognac at 40% ABV, and Jean Cavé at 43.2% ABV, bottled at its natural strength.

Is a 1936 armagnac still good?

Yes. As long as it has been properly stored, upright and away from light, an armagnac in the bottle does not spoil over time.

Also discover all our vintage armagnacs, year by year, with the houses of Château de Laubade, Dartigalongue, Château de Millet, Domaine de Pellehaut and Domaine de Laballe for more recent harvests.

Please enjoy responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to health.