Armagnac does not evolve in the bottle. It is ready to be savoured xo etas soon as it is purchased. It can also be stored on condition that the bottle is stood upright to prevent the alcohol from damaging the cork.

The Armagnacs available for purchase are labelled according to the time spent ageing in the oak cask:

• "XXX" is a blend of brandies in with the youngest has been aged for at least two years,
• "VSOP" or "reserve" is a blend in which the youngest has been aged for at least five years in the cask,
• "XO" or "Napoleon" which contains brandies at least six years old,
• "Hors d'Age" (outside age category) is a blend in which the youngest brandy has been aged for at least ten years.

The vintages, which are an Armagnac speciality, correspond exclusively to the grape harvesting year noted on the label.