About French Spirits

About French Spirits
As with wine, French spirits are world famous and of exceptional quality. The types of spirits and liqueurs produced in France reads like a what's what of these categories. There are Cognacs and Armagnacs hat are the most refined and compelling of all brandies. In addition, you have herb liqueurs, spice liqueurs, fruit-based liqueurs, as well as dry and sweet vermouth.

Eaux-de-vie, produced from wine grapes as well as fruit from Alsace, are among the best of their type found anywhere.

There are also gins produced in France and as of recently, vodka as well. Products such as these may not be as well known as those from other countries, but the fact that they are products of France helps give them instant respect.

Top Picks for France

Minty Liqueur
98 points
$39
Pure, fresh, natural and lively flavors of refreshing peppermint-spearmint and a whisper of anise; a mint liqueur of the highest order - this would be an outstanding addition to hot chocolate.
Bhakta Spirits Single Vintage Calvados
98 points
$250
A benchmark well-aged Calvados; for lovers of aged spirits, give this a try and find out if it also fills you with happiness and nostalgic autumnal memories.
Bhakta Spirits Single Vintage Armagnac
98 points
$539
A rich, old, and luxurious dram you absolutely want to take your time with to let the stories of this masterpiece unfold; might wear as a cologne.
Bhakta Spirits Single Vintage Armagnac
98 points
$399
The kind of luxury spirit that is so good and well integrated with aromas and flavors that it leaves you temporarily dumbstruck asking yourself, "What is that delicious memory?"
Bhakta Spirits Single Vintage Armagnac
97 points
$339
Absolutely stunning, this is just so pretty on the nose with a balance of age, fruit, spice, oak, and earth making up the intense aromatics followed by sheer luxuriousness on the palate; if you enjoy rare old spirits you have to give this a try.
Bhakta Spirits Single Vintage Armagnac
97 points
$579
Upon pop and pour, this could use more fruit to balance the umami, resin-esque quality of the finish; however, with some extended aeration this rich and complex spirit truly opens up to become something special proving there is no faking the luxury and age this exhibits.
Jean-Marc XO Vodka
97 points
$59
This incredible Vodka has a lot going on with a delectable nose and a nice creamy mouth feel that gives way to a lightly fruity aftertaste.
Pegasus Vodka
96 points
$35
A superbly smooth, flavorfully nuanced vodka that will shine in martinis and delicate citrus accented cocktails.
Merlet Crème De Poire Liqueur
96 points
$28
That is dialed in and just about the perfect balance of acid and sugar to seem like drinking a perfectly ripe pear; will elevate frozen cocktails or a spritz.
A.E. Dor Fine Champange XO Cognac
96 points
$150
Dark red fruit, spiced nuts, and lush vanilla barrel tones; a beautiful benchmark of an XO Cognac.
Awards: 2024 Bev Test Top 25 Spirit