You've probably heard of Cognac, that famous French grape brandy category associated with luxury and celebration. But have you met its equally delightful, yet often overlooked cousin, Armagnac? Also hailing from France (specifically, the Gascony region in the southwest), Armagnac shares much of Cognac's DNA – distilled wine, aged in oak barrels – but with a unique twist.

Armagnac is typically single-distilled using a type of continuous column still. Cognac, on the other hand, is usually distilled twice in copper pot stills. This difference in stills contributes to the distinct character of each brandy. The single-distillation of Armagnac results in a spirit with typically more congeners (flavour compounds) compared to Cognac. Armagnac can exhibit a wide range of flavours, often more rustic and robust with pronounced earthy, spicy, and dried fruit notes. It tends to have a fuller, more complex taste due to the retention of more congeners.

And while Cognac has certainly captured the global spotlight, Armagnac has been quietly gaining a dedicated following, particularly in Asia, where its hidden gem status is rapidly changing.

Enter SyZyGy, Singapore's first bar dedicated to celebrating the captivating world of Armagnac, along with other fine French spirits such as Cognac and Calvados. The newly-opened bar is nestled in the eclectic Kampong Glam neighbourhood.

Co-founded by industry veteran Jeremie Tan and entrepreneur Selin Tanetvitayavet (who also happens to be the exclusive distributor of some top-notch Armagnac labels in Thailand and Singapore), SyZyGy's name draws inspiration from an astronomical phenomenon where there is an alignment of three celestial bodies. In the same spirit, the bar aims to harmonise taste, aroma, and intensity in its drinks, cocktails and culinary offerings.

The bar boasts an impressive collection of Armagnac, from rare blends to naturally aged vintages that span decades, so if you're looking to delve into the diverse world of Armagnac, this is the place. The oldest Armagnac available here, the Laberdolive 1923 has also been aged for closed to a hundred years! In addition to Armagnac, SyZyGy, in partnership with distributor One Minor Group, offers a comprehensive selection of Cognac and Calvados.

These spirits would be available by the glass, bottle or in crafted cocktails in the bar's stylish and cosy ambience. You will also get to try a selection of light bites and shared plates - from charcuterie boards to a decadent pairing of frozen Blanche Armagnac served with Iranian caviar, as well as a selection of desserts and chocolates to be paired with your spirits.

So whether you're a French brandy lover, someone looking to explore fine French spirits or simply looking for a nice cocktail in the Kampong Glam neighbourhood, SyZyGy could be your next destination to check out. Reach out to them at +65 8363 4280 to make your reservations.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team