Cognac gets the spotlight. Armagnac keeps the soul.

Both are iconic French brandies — but the comparison stops there. If Cognac is the nowadays polished aristocrat born into global fame, Armagnac is the Gascon poet with muddy boots and roots sunk deep into the land. Still, beyond the major houses, Cognac remains a landscape of family-owned domaines and centuries-old savoir-faire.

1) Armagnac: The Gutsy Gascon Spirit

Origin & Terroirs

Long before Cognac conquered the world stage, Armagnac was already flowing in the heart of Gascony. Officially mentioned in a 1310 manuscript by Maître Vital Dufour, who praised its 40 medicinal virtues, Armagnac is France’s oldest recorded eau-de-vie.

Still today, Armagnac is deeply artisanal, produced by small growers and family-run estates who value craft over scale. It is protected by an AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) status since 1936, which guarantees origin, traditional methods, and strict production guidelines.

Armagnac hails from Gascony, covering Gers (32), Landes (40), and Lot-et-Garonne (47). The AOC is divided into three official terroirs:

• Bas-Armagnac – sandy soils, finesse, and fruit
• Ténarèze – clay-limestone, known for power and structure
• Haut-Armagnac – chalky, rare, scattered vineyards

Grapes & Distillation

Ten authorized grapes, with Ugni Blanc, Baco 22A, Folle Blanche, and Colombard most common. Armagnac is distilled once using a continuous column still (alambic armagnaçais), retaining more congeners and giving a fuller, earthier profile.

ABV Regulations

For Armagnac, distillation must occur between 52% and 72.4% ABV, depending on the desired style and the still used. Once distilled, the spirit is typically reduced and casked at a strength between 52% and 62% ABV. Before bottling, it is brought down to a minimum legal strength of 40% ABV, as required by French and EU regulations.

Distillation Season – La Flamme de l’Armagnac

Running from October to January 31st, the distillation period is not only regulated but also celebrated. Known as La Flamme de l’Armagnac, this season features public tastings, rural feasts, and the unmistakable scent of brandy flowing through copper stills.

Aging & Compte d’Âge

Armagnac is aged in Gascon oak, yielding a spicy, bold character. It uses a similar age classification system:

• VS: 1Y minimum
• VSOP: 4Y
• XO / Hors d’âge: 10Y+
• Vintage bottlings: common and highly valued

Mixology & Culture

While often overlooked in classic cocktail books, Armagnac is a bartender's secret weapon — rich, soulful, and deeply complex. It's ideal for Old Fashioneds, Sours, or neat sipping. Though exports are modest (approx. 1.6 million bottles in 2018, with 58% going abroad), interest is growing in the U.S., China, Russia, and the UK, especially in craft and natural spirits circles.

Floc de Gascogne

Armagnac’s fortified wine cousin, Floc de Gascogne, is a mistelle made by blending grape must with young Armagnac. Often enjoyed as an aperitif, it is light, floral, and protected by its own AOC since 1990.

2) Cognac: The Refined Spirit of Charente

Cognac is more than a luxury spirit — it’s a symbol of French diplomacy, legacy, and craftsmanship.

Its roots stretch back to the 16th–17th centuries, when Dutch and English merchants encouraged Charentais winemakers to distill their wines for preservation. This practical export solution evolved into a refined art.

Napoleon Bonaparte had a known appreciation for Cognac and is said to have had barrels sent with him into exile — cementing the spirit's symbolic link to French imperial identity.

Cognac may be the more famous sibling, but its success is no accident. It is built on centuries of refinement, branding, and global positioning — with AOC status since 1936 and a strong governing body, the BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac).

Cognac is revered for its elegance, consistency, and global export strength — it is France’s largest spirits export by value.

Origin & Crus

Produced in Charente (16), Charente-Maritime (17), and parts of Dordogne (24) and Deux-Sèvres (79). The AOC defines six + one crus. Soils are chalky and limestone-rich, similar to Champagne, which gives the spirit its hallmark finesse and floral clarity:

• Grande Champagne: Known for producing eaux-de-vie with exceptional aging potential and floral notes
• Petite Champagne: Offers similar qualities to Grande Champagne
• Borderies: The smallest cru, known for its nutty and violet aromas
• Fins Bois: Produces round and supple eaux-de-vie that age relatively quickly
• Bons Bois and Bois Ordinaires: Yield more rustic and fast-aging spirits, often used in blends
• Fine Champagne – blend of Grande & Petite, with at least 51% Grande Champagne

Grapes

The primary grape used in Cognac production is Ugni Blanc, also known as Trebbiano Toscano, prized for its high acidity and low sugar content, which are ideal for distillation. Other permitted varieties include Folle Blanche, Colombard, Montils, Sémillon, and Folignan, each contributing unique aromatic profiles to the final spirit

Distillation Process

Cognac undergoes a double distillation process in traditional copper pot stills, known as "alambic charentais." The first distillation yields a liquid called "brouillis," which is then distilled a second time to produce the "bonne chauffe," resulting in a clear eau-de-vie with a maximum alcohol content of 72.4% ABV.

ABV Regulations

For Cognac, distillation is allowed up to a maximum of 72.4% ABV, which ensures the preservation of delicate aromatic compounds. The eaux-de-vie are generally casked at strengths ranging from 60% to 72% ABV, depending on the house's practice and barrel type. As with Armagnac, Cognac must be bottled at no less than 40% ABV.

Distillation Season – Campagne de Distillation

From November 1 to March 31, tightly regulated by the BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac) to maintain standards across vintages and houses.

Aging & Compte d’Âge

Aged in Limousin or Tronçais oak, Cognac follows a structured, transparent system:

• VS: 2Y (Compte 2)
• 3Y: Cuvée Supérieure, Qualité Supérieure
• VSOP: 4Y (Compte 4)
• 5Y: Vieille Réserve, Réserve Rare, Réserve Royale
• 6Y: Napoléon, Très Vieille Réserve, Très Vieux, Excellence, Héritage, Suprême (unofficial but widespread)
• XO: 10Y (Compte 10)
• XXO: 14Y (Compte 14)

Mixology & Cultural Identity

Cognac is a cornerstone of French luxury and a global cocktail icon. Bartenders value its depth in classics and new creations alike. In the United States, Cognac became a cornerstone of early American mixology. From the Sazerac and Brandy Crusta to the Sidecar, it left an indelible mark on bar culture that continues today.

Angel’s Share, Dame-Jeanne & Paradis

As it ages, these spirits lose up to 2-3% per year to evaporation — the “part des anges”.

Over time, evaporation perfumes the air and leaves blackened walls from natural microbial activity (baudoinia fungus) on cellar walls.

Storage Tradition – Dame-Jeanne

For especially rare spirits, producers may withdrawn from barrels and store to dame-jeannes (large glass demijohns) to stop aging and preserve its peak character.

The Paradis (term mostly used in Cognac) is where houses age their oldest eaux-de-vie — often for decades — in calm, humid cellars in Dame-Jeanne. Hence the reference to what’s the best.

Economic Significance

Cognac is a major contributor to France's export economy, with significant markets in the United States, China, and the United Kingdom. The industry supports thousands of jobs and encompasses numerous Cognac houses and winegrowers .

Pineau des Charentes

Like Floc de Gascogne, Pineau des Charentes is a fortified wine (mistelle) made by blending grape must with fresh Cognac eau-de-vie. It was born allegedly by accident, and now stands as an AOC-protected regional treasure enjoyed as an aperitif or in cocktails.

3) The Mystery of Rancio: Time’s Signature in the Cellar

One of the most prized and elusive notes in long-aged Cognac and Armagnac is rancio — a term that doesn’t translate easily, but every seasoned taster knows when they taste it.

Rancio refers to a complex, oxidative aroma and flavor that develops after long barrel aging, typically 15 to 20+ years. It is not a flaw, but a desirable evolution — often described with notes of dried fruit, walnut, mushroom, forest floor, old wood, leather, and even umami.

This character emerges from a delicate combination of:

• Oxidative reactions in old, semi-porous oak barrels
• Maillard reactions during long maturation
• The interaction between spirit, wood, and humid cellar conditions (chais humides)

Rancio is a sign not just of age, but of patience and respect for time. It’s what separates a merely old spirit from a truly transcendent one.

4) Dedicated Festival and show

Fest’Armagnac is France’s premier festival dedicated exclusively to Armagnac. Held annually at La Grande Poste in Bordeaux, the 2026 edition will take place on March 7th. The event offers a comprehensive experience with masterclasses on topics like food pairings, Armagnac history, cocktail creation, and cask-strength bottlings. Attendees can also enjoy Gascon cuisine, participate in a tombola, and purchase rare bottles, including exclusive festival editions. https://festarmagnac.fr/

For the first time ever in France, Cognac takes center stage with its very own dedicated festival. The inaugural Cognac Festival will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the emblematic La Grande Poste in Bordeaux — marking a major moment in the history of this legendary spirit.

This landmark event will unite 36 exhibitors, from iconic houses to indie bottlers and craft distilleries, offering an unprecedented tasting journey through over 200 Cognacs. The day-long experience will feature masterclasses, a mixology workshop, curated food and cocktail pairings, and a boutique for exclusive bottle purchases www.cognacfestival.fr

5) Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Feature                      Armagnac                                                      Cognac

Region                       Gers, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne                    Charente, Charente-Maritime, Dordogne,Deux-Sèvres

Terroirs / Crus          3                                                                      6 + 1

Main Soil Types      Sand, clay, silt                                                Limestone, chalk

Main Grapes           Ugni Blanc, Baco, Colombard,                  Ugni Blanc (main), Folle Blanche,

                                 Folle Blanche                                             Colombard, Montils, Sémillon, others

Distillation Method Single distillation in continuous column still  Double distillation in copper pot still (alambic charentais à repasse)

                                     (alambic armagnaçais)                                   

Distillation Season October–January                                          November–March

                                    (La Flamme de l’Armagnac)                        (Campagne de distillation)  

Distillation ABV      Min 52% / Max 72.4%                                  Min 67.5% / Max 72.4%

Casking ABV            52%–62%                                                        60%–72% (legal min 63%)

Bottling ABV            ≥40%                                                                ≥40%

Aging Classifications VS 1Y, VSOP 4Y, XO 10Y                             VS 2Y, VSOP 4Y, XO/XXO 10Y+, Extra

Paradis / Dame-Jeanne Rare / Yes                                               Yes / Yes

Regulatory Body    BNIA                                                                BNIC

AOC Status               Yes (since 1936)                                          Yes (since 1936)

Jobs Supported        Approx. 2,000                                                 Approx. 60,000

Annual Production ~6 million bottles                                           ~165 million bottles

Exports                      ~1.6 million bottles/Y (58% of total)         €3.9 billion/Y

Cultural Ties             Deep Gascon traditions, rural identity      Napoleon, US cocktail history, luxury

Festival                       Fest’Armagnac                                                 Cognac Festival

Mixology Presence Growing — niche, premium craft cocktails   Strong — classic and modern cocktails

Mistelle (Fortified)  Floc de Gascogne (AOC)                          Pineau des Charentes (AOC)

🌟 Why It Matters

Cognac may rule the global stage, but Armagnac whispers with depth — its legacy distilled in copper stills and Gascon soil.

Where one has become the symbol of luxury, the other remains a treasure of tradition, waiting for those curious enough to taste its story.

At TEP, we don’t just celebrate spirits — we chase meaning, terroir, and soul.

And whether it’s a single-estate Cognac or a wild-vintage Armagnac, we always lean toward what’s bold, rooted, and unapologetically alive.

Dive Deeper – Learn More & Explore

• 📘 BNIC – Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac: The official authority for all things Cognac — regulations, terroirs, events, and news.
• 📘 BNIA – Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac: Discover the world of Armagnac, from history to distillation and producer stories.
• 🎉 La Fête du Cognac: A summer celebration of Cognac, music, and local gastronomy held in the town of Cognac.
• 🔥 La Flamme de l’Armagnac: A fiery, festive distillation season across Gascony — tradition, alambics, and terroir in full swing.
• 🎭 Festival Armagnac en Fête (Labastide-d’Armagnac): The heart of Armagnac beats here every autumn — tastings, workshops, and culture.

The Clase Azul Día de los Muertos limited editions have captivated collectors worldwide but how are the different vintages really performing in the market?

We analyzed prices, production volumes, and observed liquidity across six years to uncover key trends and strategic insights.

About Clase Azul Día de los Muertos Editions

Clase Azul Día de los Muertos is an ultra-premium, limited-edition tequila line created by Clase Azul México, launched to commemorate the Mexican Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), a deeply spiritual holiday honoring ancestors and loved ones who have passed.

Each annual release features:

-A unique ceramic decanter, hand-painted by Mexican artisans.

-A distinct artistic theme tied to that year's vision of remembrance and celebration.

-Very limited quantities, typically ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand bottles.

These bottles are positioned not just as spirits, but as collectible art objects, combining high-end tequila with craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and luxury branding.

📊 Price Trend and Observations

1. 2019 and 2020 Vintages

Very low observation points (9 and 7 points respectively) and few sources (5 and 2 sources).

Production quantities were relatively small (1800 and 2000 bottles).

Price behavior:

-High volatility with sharp spikes and dips.

-General trend shows some aging premium, but the market is thin, meaning few sales, and prices fluctuate heavily due to lack of liquidity.

Insight: 2019 and 2020 bottles are thinly traded, highly dependent on occasional listings; price is dictated by availability scarcity rather than market consensus.

2. 2021 Vintage

47 observations, 6 sources, and production of 5000 bottles.

Price behavior:

-Much more stable compared to 2019/2020.

-Prices slowly decreasing or stabilizing in the mid-tier range (€2000–3000 range).

-Visible attempts at market correction as supply entered the market.

Insight: 2021 shows a more liquid market, better price discovery, but suffers slightly from oversupply relative to earlier rarer years.

3. 2022 Vintage

Highest observation count (136 points) and 11 sources — much deeper market visibility.

Largest production before 2024: 6500 bottles.

Price behavior:

-Prices are gradually sliding down after initial peaks.

-Clear post-release euphoria, followed by steady depreciation.

Insight: 2022 behaves like a classic collectible market:

High initial demand + rapid release = over-expectation, followed by natural price cooling as supply fully enters the secondary market.

4. 2023 Vintage

28 observations, 8 sources, production 3500 bottles.

Price behavior:

-Mixed signals, some minor rallies, but generally stable around €2000.

-Production significantly lower than 2022 (6500 → 3500), which could support prices better long-term.

Insight: 2023 could recover value faster than 2022, thanks to lower production and a strong brand base from previous years.

5. 2024 Vintage

23 observations, 6 sources, production 10,000 bottles (highest ever).

Price behavior:

-Price starts high (due to hype) but shows signs of pressure (early softening visible).

-Massive supply vs. previous vintages — potential for future price weakening unless absorbed by massive new demand.

Insight: 2024 risks over-saturation; unless Clase Azul strengthens storytelling or global marketing, prices may soften longer term. This vintage might behave more like a commodity than a rare collectible.

📈 Macro Trends Across All Vintages

• Thin liquidity for early releases (2019/2020) = huge price swings and price spikes possible when 1-2 bottles hit the market.
• Better liquidity for 2021–2022 vintages = more natural price discovery.
• Danger of mass production (2024) = unless demand grows proportionally, price performance could suffer.
• Average ABV being stable across years suggests price differences are driven mainly by supply/demand, not product quality variation.
• Post-2022 the brand faces the classic collectible trap: higher production ➔ risk of flattening secondary market performance.

📌 Summary of Strategic Takeaways:

Vintage       Liquidity    Scarcity                            Outlook

2019-2020 Low             Very High                         Price potential, but volatile

2021            Medium      Medium                           Stabilizing, fair pricing

2022            High            Lower                             Cooling down, mature market

2023            Medium      Higher                              Good potential for mid-term gains

2024            Low (early) Very Low (high supply) Risky without new demand push

💡 Market Position & Appeal

The brand’s appeal goes far beyond agave aficionados, it taps into:

• Luxury collectors (due to packaging and scarcity)
• Tequila investors looking for value appreciation
• Global luxury buyers interested in exclusive cultural products

The Día de los Muertos editions are part of a broader trend where spirits are increasingly treated as investment-grade luxury items, much like watches, wine, or sneakers.

At TEP, we make deep market analysis and powerful data visualizations accessible to every collector and investor effortlessly.

If you want tailor-made insights on your favorite bottles or portfolios, reach out to us, we’re here to unlock the full potential of spirits trading.

Overview: Chartreuse V.E.P. Verte 1000ml has seen notable price movements over the past few years. While each vintage carries unique characteristics, recent trends suggest that broader market forces and production decisions are playing an even larger role in shaping value. Here's what the data and context tells us.

Vintage Trends at a Glance

2019–2021: Steady growth, low volatility, average price range: €400–€450. Considered "core" vintages for collectors seeking stable value

2022–2023: Strong upward movement, 2022 saw a speculative spike, now corrected & 2023 continues to climb, with high demand

2024: Newest release already priced expensive, suggests a maturing collector base that anticipates scarcity

Why the Shift? Real-World Context That Changed the Game:

1) The Monks' Decision to Limit Production

-In January 2021, the Carthusian monks decided to intentionally limit the production of Chartreuse to focus on their spiritual life and sustainability

-This decision wasn’t made widely public until early 2023, when a letter was shared among industry partners and began circulating online

“The monks are not looking to grow Chartreuse, but to preserve it.” – Everyday Drinking, March 2023

2) Distributor Confirmation: No New Allocations

-In March 2023, U.S. importer Frederick Wildman & Sons confirmed that no additional allocations would be made available

-This validated growing concerns among retailers and collectors, further fueling demand

What This Means for Collectors & Enthusiasts

The Chartreuse V.E.P. price evolution is not just a case of market hype.

It’s a direct response to a rare mix of philosophy-driven scarcity, verified distribution limits, and global demand.

As newer vintages like 2023 and 2024 continue to gain value quickly, even older and less volatile years like 2019–2021 are being re-evaluated.

In short: Chartreuse V.E.P. isn’t just rare, it’s purposefully rare and the market has caught on.

We now provide tailor made analysis upon request dependign of your needs. Reach out to us directly!

This analysis is based on the detailed* price history of the following data points per vintage, covering six Chartreuse V.E.P. Verte 1000ml editions (2019–2024), with contextual insights drawn from official communications by Chartreuse Diffusion, importer statements, and public market behavior across trusted sources.

*Detailed data observations:

Chartreuse V.E.P Verte 2024 103 data points 9 sources

Chartreuse V.E.P Verte 2023 153 data points 7 sources

Chartreuse V.E.P Verte 2022 142 data points 7 sources

Chartreuse V.E.P Verte 2021 101 data points 7 sources

Chartreuse V.E.P Verte 2020 78 data points 7 sources

Chartreuse V.E.P Verte 2019 41 data points 7 sources

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been listening closely — reading your messages, collecting your feedback, and taking notes on the little (and big) things you wanted to see improved. Today, we’re excited to share a fresh round of updates… and yes, they’re directly inspired by you.

For those who prefer a brighter interface, we’ve officially launched Light Mode!

Until now, everything was running in dark mode only, great for late-night browsing, but not everyone’s favorite during the day.

Now, you get to choose:

→ Light or dark, anytime, based on your preference.

You’ll find the toggle in your settings. Try both and pick your vibe 🌗

We’ve revamped how search results are displayed.

Say hello to the new card view, a more visual layout that includes a bottle preview directly in the result. Easier to scan, faster to explore.

Prefer the old-school list view?

No worries it's still available.

You can switch between card and list views freely. It’s all about giving you flexibility and control.

What’s most exciting about this release is that it’s powered by you.

The light mode, the new display options, they’ve been among the most requested features from our community. And we’re just getting started.

We truly appreciate every comment, message, and suggestion you send our way.

Keep them coming, we're building this experience together.

Dive into the new features, switch things up, and let us know what you think.

Your feedback keeps shaping what’s next!

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TEP Storage: Unlock a World of Benefits!

🔹 Seamless Shipping – Bottles sold within the EU can now be sent directly to our secure warehouse, regardless of the buyer’s location.

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🔹 Negotiated & Transparent Pricing – Benefit from optimized storage costs with no hidden fees.

🔹 Flexible Shipping Options – Ship your bottles whenever and wherever you want, hassle-free, directly from our warehouse.

TEP makes buying, storing, and trading fine spirits easier than ever. This option is available directly when selecting your delivery destination.

📦 Start storing today and optimize your transactions!

✅ Select TEP Warehouse as your delivery destination when purchasing.

✅ Your bottles will be securely stored in our facility.

✅ A perfect solution to store, optimize costs, protect your collection, and facilitate potential resale.

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 Thank you for your trust over the past months! We will continue adding new features to enhance your experience. We’re here for you—don’t hesitate to reach out!

 On The Exchange Platform, You Can:

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After a successful inaugural event, Fest'Armagnac returns for its second edition on March 1, 2025, in Bordeaux's Grand Poste. This year’s event will host 37 exhibitors—up from 26 in 2024—and expects to welcome 750 attendees. With a growing lineup and a 50% increase in attendance, Fest'Armagnac is quickly establishing itself as a top event for enthusiasts of this renowned French spirit.

Venue & Tasting Highlights

Returning to the scenic Grand Poste in Bordeaux, visitors will enjoy unlimited tastings from 37 stands, each offering an average of eight bottles. The event focuses on cask strength Armagnac to preserve the spirit’s authentic flavors, with only unmodified Armagnacs allowed. For €10, attendees receive a tasting glass at the entrance, with tastings available from 11:00 am to 7:30 pm.

Culinary Pairings & On-Site Experiences

Gastronomic experiences are at the heart of Fest'Armagnac. Kicking off on Friday evening, Ayawasca bar will host a cocktail event featuring Armagnac-based drinks crafted by Hontambere. During the festival, attendees can sample regional foods at Gascony-inspired food stands and enjoy chocolates from Bouchon, made with Armagnac from Domaine Tuilerie. For a more immersive pairing experience, Buibui restaurant will host a Saturday lunch featuring an Armagnac Lacquy food pairing for €40, including festival access (reservations available on the event’s website).

Masterclasses & Contests

To enhance Armagnac appreciation, the festival will offer four free masterclasses covering topics like Armagnac history, cask strength, food pairing, and biodynamic practices. A tasting contest will give participants a chance to identify two different Armagnacs. Winners who correctly identify their selection will receive a bottle from the tasting lineup.

A special bottling will also be available: a 2004 Folle Blanche, cask strength, from Domaine Pouteou.

Origins & Evolution

Fest'Armagnac was founded by Michael Illiouz, who observed a growing demand for independent Armagnac bottlers. Inspired by a pivotal conversation with Frédéric Chappe at L’Encantada, Michael embarked on an exploratory journey in the Armagnac region, solidifying connections with distillers and creating the festival to share his knowledge and passion for the spirit.

Looking Ahead

If the 2025 edition proves successful, Fest'Armagnac plans to expand further in 2026 with a goal of 40 exhibitors and 1,000 attendees while maintaining its quality standards and single-day format.

Get to know more on their:

Website https://festarmagnac.fr

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/festarmagnac

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/festarmagnac

Let’s kick off the weekend on a positive note with our new update!

We are thrilled to announce that TEP now accepts PayPal as a payment option!

This feature has been highly requested by our users, and it is now available!

You can easily select this payment method during a purchase, alongside other available options.

We now accept payments via Mastercard, Visa, American Express, PayPal, and wallet payments via bank transfer, all managed by Mangopay.

We’re continuously unlocking new solutions for our community, so stay tuned for exciting new features coming soon!

The Exchange Platform team.

On The Exchange Platform, you can:

• Use our browser to access descriptive data.
• Navigate through over 70 sources of price history.
• Stay informed with our news and events feeds.
• Discover your next favorite tasting through our review/tasting feed.
• Monitor your collection, all in one place.

Longtime friends Nicolas and Romain share a deep passion for spirits, rooted in their time living in Martinique and Guadeloupe. What began as a lighthearted hobby—tasting and comparing rums—soon evolved into a serious pursuit. Their frequent visits to local cellars fueled their love for spirits, and their palates expanded as they explored different varieties beyond rum.

From tasting trips to aging their own spirits in small casks, their journey into the world of spirits grew richer. Initially focused on rum, their network of connections with liquor shops and aficionados naturally led them to explore whisky, gin, and more. Over time, they built relationships with independent brands like Old Brothers, Swell de Spirits, and Famille Ricci.

Their involvement with spirits didn’t stop at tasting, however. Nicolas and Romain played key roles in organizing events like the Open Spirits Festival and engaging with Facebook communities, further solidifying their standing in the spirits world. After discussions with Swell de Spirits and Ricci at a recent RhumFest 2024, the idea for a new, broader spirits festival in Toulouse was born. While Toulouse already had a whisky festival, there was room for something more inclusive, spanning multiple types

of spirits.

A Festival for All Spirits Enthusiasts

The inaugural Toulouse Spirits Festival is set to welcome around 1,000 attendees per day over two days. Each visitor will receive a tasting glass to ensure everyone has their own throughout the event. Expect a lineup of 40 to 50 exhibitors, including both large and small producers, with a focus on creating a convivial atmosphere where smaller independent brands can shine.

The event will feature four exclusive bottlings: two rums, one whisky, and one gin. Attendees will have the chance to taste freely, with no limit to how many bottles they can sample. The focus is on accessibility, offering an affordable yet well-curated experience, without making the event too large or overwhelming.

More Than Just Spirits

The festival will offer much more than just tastings. While there won’t be any thematic spaces, exhibitors will showcase what they do best, with a diverse selection of spirits from all over the world. A temporary shop will be available for those looking to bring home their favorite discoveries.

In terms of food, cold finger foods will be provided, as the venue’s kitchen is not accessible. Despite the logistical challenge of holding the event on the 7th floor, Nicolas and Romain have worked hard to ensure everything runs smoothly. Attendees can also expect a range of festival goodies, including tote bags, hats, t-shirts, caps, and even temporary tattoos.

While this year’s festival won’t feature masterclasses or VIP areas, there’s potential for these in future editions. There’s also talk of introducing a mixology area and adding even more activities alongside the tastings, like tent displays and glasses that have won the Silver Medal Lépine competition.

Looking Forward

Though they had only four months to prepare for the event—starting in late July—Nicolas and Romain managed to pull it together with support from the spirits community. The festival will take place over two days, from 12 PM to 7 PM on Saturday and 12 PM to 6 PM on Sunday. There’s even talk of special parties on Friday and Saturday nights to extend the festivities.

The duo hopes this first edition will be a success, paving the way for future events. Some exhibitors were disappointed they couldn’t attend due to the rushed scheduling and their packed agendas. However, with the support they’ve received so far, Nicolas and Romain are optimistic that the Toulouse Spirits Festival will become an annual staple for spirits lovers.

Be sure to mark your calendars for what promises to be a fantastic celebration of the finest spirits in Toulouse, and perhaps even a new favorite event for the spirits community!

You can learn more and follow them on:

https://toulousespirits.com

https://www.instagram.com/toulousespirits

https://www.linkedin.com/company/rhumtech

https://www.facebook.com/events/1712997532781413

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565724158681

Born from a shared passion for Mexican spirits and a desire to elevate their presence in France, the Viva Agave Festival has grown into a key event for agave enthusiasts and professionals alike. Martha, a long-time ambassador of tequila and mezcal in France, has been championing Mexican spirits since 2012. Her mission? To introduce and push these exceptional products outside Mexico while receiving support from within the country to expand their distribution abroad.

The idea for the festival was sparked by frustration with the limited and unsatisfactory offerings from distributors. In 2018, Martha met David and another agave enthusiast. Together, they realized the immense potential of agave-based spirits, which at the time were still relatively unknown in France.

A Growing Success

The first edition of Viva Agave was small and intimate with 15 exhibitors, but by 2019, the festival had expanded. Joined by new partners, Sébastien Gans and Thomas Girard, they professionalized the event. That second edition attracted 20 exhibitors and over 2,000 attendees in just two days, a huge success that confirmed the growing interest in agave spirits in France.

As 2020 approached, the team debated whether to hold another edition, but then COVID-19 hit, and plans were put on hold. The following years, 2021 and 2022, were challenging, with the pandemic making it difficult to organize large indoor gatherings. Still, the enthusiasm from both attendees and exhibitors never waned.

In 2023, despite internal challenges due to the increasing professional responsibilities of the team, they received a strong push from the agave community to keep the festival alive. With the booming agave market, Martha and the team decided to move forward, setting the stage for the highly anticipated 2024 edition.

Bigger and Better in 2024

This year, the festival has expanded even further, with 25 exhibitors, including some that had to be turned away due to space limitations. Meaning, 1K and Mezcaleria will be too small looking forward. The hope is to find a larger venue for future editions, with plans already in the works for 2025.

Visitors to the 2024 festival can look forward to a variety of experiences, from tastings to educational masterclasses. El Vecino taqueria will be open, offering authentic Mexican food, while the Maison Villevert corner will be serving a special cocktail, the Paloma, made with tequila, grapefruit, and soda, a total of 4 different cocktails with one based on biodynamic. Entry to the festival includes free tastings, and every attendee will receive an informational booklet and a tasting glass.

Though the team had hoped to release a special festival batch of agave spirits, the short timeline (four months of preparation) made this impossible for 2024. However, we've challenged Martha to create a unique festival batch for 2025! So, let's make this event even more successful to make it happen!

What to Expect at Viva Agave 2024

The 2024 edition will showcase a wide range of Mexican spirits, from tequila, mezcal, raicilla, and bacanora to sotol and other non-agave Mexican products. In addition to agave spirits, there will also be Mexican gin, rum, whisky, and other distillates on display.

The event will feature two main tasting areas with 25 exhibitors, and the Agavothèque will highlight products not yet distributed outside Mexico, giving importers a chance to discover new treasures. A shop will be available for attendees who want to take a piece of the festival home with them.

The festival will also host 16 masterclasses over two days, with eight each day. These free masterclasses will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing visitors to deepen their knowledge of agave spirits and the vibrant Mexican spirit culture.

Running from 11 AM to 7 PM, Viva Agave 2024 promises to be a can’t-miss event for anyone passionate about Mexican spirits, bringing together the best of the agave world under one roof.

Join us in celebrating the rich tradition and future of Mexican spirits at Viva Agave 2024!

You can learn more and follow them on:

https://toulousespirits.com

https://www.instagram.com/toulousespirits

https://www.linkedin.com/company/rhumtech

https://www.facebook.com/events/1712997532781413

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565724158681

Bottle alerts are now live! Never miss your target again.

This highly requested feature is now available to everyone.

Simply go to any bottle and click the "Create Alert" button in the order book. 

Set a buy or sell alert with your target price, or create alerts for any listed bottles under a specific ticker.

In your user menu, we've added an "Alerts" submenu where you can monitor, snooze, modify, or delete your alerts.

All at no extra cost, this is still a FREE feature!

Follow the guide below and enjoy seamless trading.

The Exchange Platform Team

On The Exchange Platform, you can:

• Use our browser to access descriptive data.
• Navigate through over 70 sources of price history.
• Stay informed with our news and events feeds.
• Discover your next favorite tasting through our review/tasting feed.
• Monitor your collection, all in one place.

Today, Julian, aka UnOuDeuxVerres, tried TEP for the first time.

He shares his feedback on our workflow and features.

Enjoy his short presentation clip!

The video is in French, but subtitles are available on our YouTube channel 👉 https://rb.gy/4icewy

You can also find him on:

https://www.tiktok.com/@unoudeuxverres

https://www.instagram.com/unoudeuxverres/

We had the opportunity to have a quick chat with Sven Brosens, the creator of the Spirits Museum.

We found it interesting to ask him a few questions about the museum and his journey. It turned into a fascinating exchange where he also asked us to explain what we do.

What could make more sense for us than to talk about spirits with the creator of the Spirits Museum? Let's embark on this!

Sven, who are you and who is behind the museum?

I'm a newcomer to the world of spirits, but I've always been interested in them. During the Covid pandemic, instead of pursuing further professional training, I decided to complete the Spirits Sommelier course and then added the WSET Level 3 in Spirits the following year. Since 2023, I have been the President of the Rum Club Switzerland and a member of two other associations: the Whisky and Schnapps Forum Switzerland.

Why was the museum created and why in Switzerland? What can we find there?

The idea for the museum was born during my sommelier training. Instead of opening a bar, I wanted to share more knowledge about all types of spirits. I searched for a suitable location for two years and finally found one in Belp at the end of 2023. In the museum, visitors can learn about the history and production of various categories of spirits. Of course, you can also taste the many bottles on display and broaden your horizons.

Looking ahead, what do you expect?

The museum is fully equipped, and I am now waiting for authorization to open, hopefully in July. I expect to attract curious individuals who want to learn about new spirits as well as professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and taste spirits from different categories.

How can the community help?

The community can help preserve the history of spirits and distilleries by contributing old and new bottles, utensils, tools, barrels, bar equipment, books, and anything related to spirits. For companies interested in exhibiting their products in the museum, I have an exhibition concept that I would be happy to share.

What's your favorite spirit?

I started with rum and have remained loyal to it, from white Bacardi with cola to premium dark rums and single cask bottlings at cask strength. My absolute favorite bottle is "The Last" from the Caroni Distillery. I now also enjoy Armagnac and Mezcal. Thanks to the museum idea, I try to find exceptional liquids in all categories.

Where can we meet you in the future? Any upcoming spirits events? Are there any upcoming events, partnerships, or educational purposes?

In the future, you can certainly meet me at the museum, where visitors can explore the world of spirits or participate in tastings or seminars. I will also be present at many trade fairs in Switzerland and abroad, such as Whisky Live Paris. Additionally, companies will have the opportunity to organize their own events at the museum.

Now let's talk about you guys at The Exchange Platform.

Can you explain who you are and how did you get into the spirits business?

I’m a long-time spirits enthusiast, born and raised in France. After living abroad for a few years, I continued to enjoy spirits globally with a strong passion for Cognac, Whisky, and Rum. I ended up in this business inadvertently when people began asking me to help them locate bottles they couldn't find and realized there’s definitely something to be done when it comes to locating a bottle and determining its fair valuation.

Why did you come up with the idea for this platform?

We realized that the secondary market for spirits is outdated, inefficient, and illiquid, with high execution costs and fragmented information. I looked at what was working in other industries and applied those principles to the spirits market.

What does your project involve and who are the potential customers?

The Exchange Platform (TEP) is built on four foundations:

- Price History: We aggregate data from over 70 auction sources for all types of spirits, plus our own traded prices. Each bottle is standardized with a unique identifier, often linked to a barcode, making searching and comparison easier.

- Trading: We empower buyers and sellers to set their own prices, shifting away from a seller-driven market.

- Portfolio Management: We’ve developed a unique tool that allows users to monitor their collection, inventory, or investments with flexibility and powerful analytics.

- News, Events, Insights: We curate relevant spirits news and events through a dedicated newsfeed and custom filters. Additionally, we publish research and insights through our new Insights function.

How do you ensure the platform is scam-free?

Hahaha, I guess you’re referring to the curses and threats I’ve received from scammers on Facebook. Since security is in our DNA and we use Mangopay, a regulated payment provider in the EU, all participants must undergo a one-time KYC (Know Your Customer) process to confirm their identity. Payments are handled within Mangopay’s ecosystem, so sellers only receive funds once the parcel is delivered and confirmed.

What makes your platform better than others?

Honestly? Everything! (laughing) More seriously, we offer the only one-stop platform where you can enjoy a dedicated newsfeed, browse spirits events worldwide, search for bottles, explore price history, notify the market of your buying interests, swap bottles, and monitor your position. All of this is within a secure workflow, from registration to payment and delivery, as we have integrated UPS secured parcels. On top of that, we have marginal fee at 2.5%, VAT included.

There's no need to look for auctions, find a blog, hope to get prices from somewhere, or be stuck in groups. You can access everything at The Exchange Platform.

Thanks for your time, Sven, and I hope there will be a huge party for the museum opening!

You can follow and learn more about the Spirits Museum on their website and social networks:

https://spirits-museum.ch/

https://www.instagram.com/schnapschat/

https://www.facebook.com/Spiritsmuseum

https://www.youtube.com/@spirits-museum

We're excited to announce another milestone release today: Portfolio Management is now live!

With this new feature, you can monitor and evaluate all your bottles, regardless of the spirit type, in one place.

Utilize our spot and historical metrics calculations to track your collection's performance.

Enjoy the flexibility of our highly customizable PORT interface, where you can choose from 19 different columns to display exactly what you want to see.

Tailor it to meet your specific needs and preferences!Now that Portfolio Management is live, the next step is trading.

Get ready by completing your KYC process, and soon you'll be able to buy, sell, or swap bottles directly through our platform.

On The Exchange Platform, you can already:

-Use our browser and access descriptive data

-Navigate through our 50+ price history sources

-Stay informed with our newsfeed

-Discover your next favorite pour with our review/tasting feed

-Monitor your collection, all in one place

We're committed to providing a comprehensive and user-friendly experience for all your spirits-related needs.

Cheers to easier portfolio management!

The Exchange Platform team

#thexchangeplatform #spirits #spiritueux #Rhum #rum #whisky #bourbon #cognac #armagnac #brandy #swap #trade #portfoliomanagement

Exciting new TEP feature is live!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our FREE newsfeed & tasting reviews feed on spirits!

Now, you have access to a curated news feed on the spirits universe. Additionally, because we know you love reviews, we've introduced a Reviews feed.

You don't even need to be logged in to enjoy it.

More functionalities will be rolled out in the next days and weeks, so stay tuned and check The Exchange Platform.

For any questions or remarks, reach out to us.

Thanks and enjoy!

The Exchange Platform team.

#thexchangeplatform #spirits #spiritueux #Rhum #rum #whisky #bourbon #cognac #armagnac #brandy #swap #trade

WE ARE LIVE!

This long-awaited moment has finally arrived to our great pleasure.

You can now access the site, create your free account, search within our browser for bottles, and take advantage of delayed or real-time price histories with a subscription.

But above all, complete and have your account verified through our payment service provider Mangopay's interface to enjoy our buying/selling/swapping features!

The transactional part will be open in a few days to allow us to absorb the new flow of account certifications.

Get ready to post your interests in all types of spirits!

Many features are coming in the weeks ahead, and a crucial milestone will be reached by the end of the quarter!

https://thexchangeplatform.io

#thexchangeplatform #spirits #spiritueux #Rhum #rum #whisky #bourbon #cognac #armagnac #brandy #swap #trade