Hogsworth’s
Armagnac-Bourbon Blend
A Spirit So Good, It Shouldn’t Exist
Bourbon and Armagnac. Two legendary spirits, separated by an ocean, centuries of tradition, and wildly different personalities. Bourbon is the loud, all-American rebel. Armagnac is the sophisticated, centuries-old aristocrat. These two were n’t meant to mix.
And yet, we did it. Because rules are for the timid.
What Happens When Bourbon Meets Armagnac?
Think of it as an impossible love story—like a cowboy falling for French royalty. Against all odds, it works. Our Armagnac-Bourbon blend is bold yet refined, brash yet elegant. The result? A damn fine spirit that defies logic. The Bourbon brings caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak. The Armagnac delivers rich fruit, spice, and an almost scandalous depth. The Blend? A beautifully chaotic masterpiece—like a jazz solo in a velvet lounge.
Nose:
A mischievous mix of honey, crème brûlée, and ginger snap.
Palate:
Think chai, green apple, and a whisper of black pepper plotting something devious.
Finish:
A long, satisfying goodbye, with just enough spice to keep you coming back.
Who’s Behind the Blend? The Distillers & Details.
TDG – Tennessee Distilling Group - Blend Component #1
The backbone of our blend comes from Tennessee Distilling Group (TDG)—a powerhouse in the world of whiskey production. These folks don’t mess around.
Large-Scale, Full-Service Distilling – They distill, age, blend, and bottle for brands big and small.
Whiskey from the Old School & New School – Industry veterans crafting spirits with time-tested and experimental techniques.
Located in Columbia, TN – Just an hour south of Nashville, deep in Tennessee whiskey country.
What Makes TN Whiskey Special? The Lincoln County Process.
Unlike straight bourbon, Tennessee whiskey goes through an extra step:
Filtered through Sugar Maple Charcoal before barreling, removing certain impurities.
A Gentler Take on the Process – TDG does a milder version of this filtration, meaning you still get that full-bodied bourbon profile—just a little cleaner, a little smoother.
Mashbill:
80% Corn, 10% Rye, 10% Malted Barley This is strikingly similar to Cascade Hollow’s classic recipe (for those who know their Tennessee whiskey). The balance makes it bourbon-forward but light enough to let the Armagnac shine.
Wood & Aging:
Barrels: Standard White American Oak, air-seasoned for 6 months, charred to #3 perfection. Aging: First 4 years in Tennessee, then aged in Vermont for extra depth.
Flavor Impact:
TDG’s whiskey forms the base of the blend, setting the stage for a classic bourbon experience that isn’t too woody, too grainy, or too young. It’s got body, structure, and just enough space for the Armagnac to step in and steal the show.
Panther Distillery & Phillips Distilling – Blend Component #2
The wild card of our blend comes from Panther Distillery, a farm-based operation nestled in the northern lake country of Minnesota.
Founded in 2010/11, focused on making MN-grown whiskey with local ingredients.
In collaboration with Phillips Distilling, a powerhouse brand founded in 1912 (formerly owners of Belvedere Vodka).
Farm-to-Bottle Philosophy – Aging whiskey in small-town Minnesota, where the winters are brutal and the summers are fleeting.
The Whiskey: This spirit is atypical—it wasn’t distilled by Panther, but rather sourced from Phillips and aged at Panther’s facility in Okasis, MN. This unique collaboration resulted in a bold, flavor-packed whiskey that defies expectations.
Mashbill:
72% Corn, 23% Rye, 5% Malted Barley This high-rye content brings spice, structure, and an extra kick to the blend.
Wood & Aging:
Barrels: Standard White American Oak, #3 Char from Independent Stave Company. Aging: First 4 years in Minnesota (both St. Paul & Okasis), then transferred to Vermont for additional aging.
Flavor Impact:
This whiskey punches above its weight. Bold oak spice, char, and a long, intense finish. Explodes mid-palate and lingers with depth. Unexpected complexity from the cold North. Short aging seasons, big whiskey energy.