Clés des Ducs is a historic Armagnac brand from Panjas in the Gers, at the heart of Gascony. Its story is closely linked to the Baylac family and dates back to 1774, with the Clés des Ducs name established in 1924. Made mainly from Ugni Blanc grapes, the house is known for Armagnacs with gentle oak influence, aged in lightly to medium-toasted barrels. The result is an elegant Gascon spirit with fruity, spicy, and mature aromas, offering a classic introduction to one of France’s oldest eaux-de-vie.
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Clés des Ducs is an Armagnac house rooted in Panjas, a village in the Gers department of southwest France. The brand expresses the character of Gascony through Armagnacs that are mostly made from Ugni Blanc grapes and aged with a restrained use of oak. After distillation, the eaux-de-vie are placed in barrels with light to medium toasting, helping preserve fruit, freshness, and balance rather than overwhelming the spirit with wood.
The name Clés des Ducs means “Keys of the Dukes,” a reference to the noble identity of Gascony and the long history of Armagnac in the region. The house offers a range of aged Armagnacs, including classic blends and older expressions, known for notes of dried fruit, prune, leather, spice, and soft wood.
The story of Clés des Ducs begins in 1774 in the Gers, when Paul Baylac, lord of Panjas, began distilling and shaping the early identity of the house. The villages of Panjas, Maupas, and Estang later became recognized for producing high-quality brandy, with the local terroir contributing to the style of the Armagnacs.
In 1924, the founder of Clés des Ducs acquired the vines from Dame Baylac, a descendant of Paul Baylac, formally establishing the brand as it is known today. In 1981, the house was acquired by Cointreau, which later became part of the Rémy Cointreau group in 1990. Despite these changes, Clés des Ducs has remained strongly connected to Panjas and the Gascon traditions of Armagnac production.
Today, Clés des Ducs continues to represent approachable yet authentic Armagnac, combining historical depth, regional identity, and a style focused on fruit, elegance, and measured oak influence.
