the house

Jean Cavé

  • Founded in 1883
  • Location Lannepax

From its deep roots in 1883, the history of Armagnac Jean Cavé radiates passion and expertise. Founded by Jean Cavé a visionary winegrower in Lannepax, this house of excellence has seen four generations master the art of distilling, maturing and ageing eaux-de-vie, while faithfully respecting the spirit and vision of its founder.

Each armagnac from Jean Cavé armagnac is a journey through time, preserved in old oak casks. These carefully selected casks bear witness to the Cavé family's talent and devotion to the Armagnac terroir. Behind each bottle is a story, a unique year and an enduring family tradition.

The vintages, which range from the end of the 20th century to the present day, offer a rare opportunity to savor the singularity of a particular year. Whether it's the vintage armagnacs, reflecting the purity and specificity of a year, or the meticulous blends orchestrated by Maître de Chais, Mathias Rodriguez, each drop captures the richness of the Armagnac region, the dedication and heritage of the Cavé house.

Faced with the evolutions of the modern world, Jean Cavé has not hesitated to venture into the sphere of mixology. In response to the needs of contemporary bartenders and the growing demand for innovation, they have adapted some of their armagnacs. The result? A perfect fusion in which their historic essence blends harmoniously with the flavors of the present, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of their precious nectars.

From the integrity of the distillation process to the attention paid to every detail, it's this combination of heritage, innovation and authenticity that makes armagnacs Jean Cavé an essential choice for connoisseurs and enthusiasts the world over, seeking to experience excellence with every sip.

Distillation
Armagnac continuous still (the traditional method of continuous distillation specific to Armagnac)
Ageing
Ageing in oak casks for up to 50 years; a Paradis collection of old vintages kept in demijohns since 1900
95 products
Our merchant's guide

Jean Cavé

The Jean Cavé range in our shop: a century of vintages

Few producers in Gascony can offer so many harvest years. Our selection spans more than a century, from 1888 to 2004, alongside a few blends, a 1905 Bas-Armagnac and a white eau-de-vie. A rare offering for discovering the long passage of time in armagnac eaux-de-vie.

Vintage brut de fût armagnacs, from 1888 to 2004

Each brut de fût armagnac (cask strength, not reduced) comes from a single harvest, with no blending, and keeps the natural strength it reached as it aged. The oldest, such as 1888, 1900 or 1946, often show around 40% vol., because the alcohol slowly evaporates with the angels' share. The years from the 1970s to 2004, such as 1976 or 1996, are more powerful and often exceed 50% vol. To compare with other producers, browse our vintage armagnacs.

The blends, the 1905 Bas-Armagnac and the Blanche

The 20/20 is a 20-year-old XO presented in a wooden box; the Prestige XO belongs to the house's hors d'âge range. The Experience 1978, pure ugni blanc, is a limited edition offered at natural strength. The 1905 Bas-Armagnac, at 40% vol., is one of the finest pieces in the collection. The Blanche d'Armagnac, unaged and highly aromatic, is served well chilled.

The history of the house: Lannepax, the Paradis and oak casks

In 1883, the founder, a winegrower in Lannepax, in the Gers, set up as a distiller and cellar master, surrounded by his wife and two sons. Four generations have followed since, carrying on his know-how; Henri, who represents the fourth, now works alongside the team. Distillation follows the continuous method specific to Armagnac, then the eaux-de-vie age in oak casks, sometimes for up to fifty years. There they take on a mahogany hue and notes of wood, vanilla and cocoa.

When the cellar master judges an armagnac to have reached maturity, he transfers it to the Paradis, in glass demijohns, where it no longer changes. The house keeps a remarkable collection of old harvests there, with some demijohns dating back to 1900. Each bottle thus retains the characteristics of its year: the quality of the wine, the climate, the complexity brought by the wood.

How to choose your Jean Cavé armagnac

  • For a birthday or anniversary: the year of birth, from one of the widest collections in our shop;
  • For a grand after-dinner drink: the 20/20 or the Prestige XO;
  • For a demanding enthusiast: a brut de fût from the 1970s to the 1990s, at high strength;
  • For an aperitif or a cocktail: the Blanche d'Armagnac.

Tasting

Serve armagnac at room temperature, in a tulip glass, and let it breathe for a few minutes. For a powerful brut de fût, a drop of water can open up the aromas of prune, dried fruit and rancio. An opened bottle should be stored upright, away from light.

Frequently asked questions about Jean Cavé armagnac

Where is the Jean Cavé house located?

The house is located in Lannepax (32190), in the Gers, in the heart of the Armagnac appellation. For the exact address or a visit, please contact the house directly. Another Lannepax name, Delord, is also available on our site.

Which vintages are available?

Many years between 1888 and 2004; each product on this page states the year and the strength.

How much does a Jean Cavé armagnac cost?

It depends on the year and the cuvée. Each product shows its price.

How can I buy a Jean Cavé armagnac?

Choose your bottle on this page, then add it to your basket. Orders are placed online with secure payment, and shipping is carefully handled, in France and across Europe, in packaging designed for spirits. Our customer service team is always available for advice.

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

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Armagnac specialist

A cellar devoted to the brandies of Gascony.

The year on the label

Authentic vintages, from 1888 to the present day.

Careful shipping

Bottles wedged and protected, tracked delivery in France and Europe.

Need advice?

A year, a budget, an occasion: write to us.

the cellar letter

The vintages
arriving in our cellar.

New houses, rare years found again, gift ideas: a few letters a year, no more.