Wash

Wash meaning in Cognac and Armagnac distillation

Wash is a distilling term for the fermented alcoholic liquid that is ready to be distilled. In wine-based spirits such as Cognac and Armagnac, the wash is essentially a low-alcohol base wine made from permitted grape varieties, usually around 8–12% ABV. Its acidity, alcohol level, fermentation cleanliness, and aroma compounds strongly shape the final spirit because distillation concentrates both desirable character and flaws. Cognac is typically double-distilled in copper pot stills, while Armagnac is often distilled once in a continuous Armagnac still.