While listening to an audiotape from the International Association of Culinary Professionals last week while at the gym working out on the EFX machine (a classic case of multi-tasking), I learned about the other French “Pinot”–Pineau des Charentes. It’s partially composed of Cognac, although with a much softer, floral nose and lacking its sister spirit’s strong alcoholic aftertaste/burn.

Never having tasting it before, I tried the spirit one evening at the lovely bar at Campagne. Here’s a shot of the bottle and Pineau in the glass. I found out it’s available at two of our Washington State Liquor stores–Fourth Avenue South and Seventh and Bell–in case you want a bottle for your liquor cabinet. This would also make a nice hostess gift for the holidays.