Recommend me a Cognac...

[michael69]

Good links Ramon!

[Ramon]

I forgot to mention one that's slightly above your budget, Hine Cigar Reserve cognac. I haven't tried it myself, but I'm sure someone here will have and can give us an idea of what it's like.

[Nuno Sa]

Great topic mates, gonna grab me some of this recommended bottles.

[ChrisMClark]

Thanks for all the suggestions, and sorry for the late reply. Just got back from an overnighter in Northern Ireland!

[ChrisMClark]

Well I bought a cheap bottle of Courvoisier VSOP today for a party I'm going to tonight, I've had it before...good enough to share, not good enough to keep to yourself though!

[Lascaux]

im really wanting to get into cognac, shall head to vintage house in soho soon
picked up a bottle of martell VSOP to taste tonight. definitely going to look into michaels suggestions!

[whisky77]

Agreed.

Don't just settle for cognac. Some of the Armagnacs are absolutely delicious and tend to be chateau bottled....

Agree with Celsis on this one.Best bet is to find a well stocked bar with a good selection of Armagnacs and try a few out for comparison before buying.

[ChrisMClark]

What's the difference on the palate between a Cognac and an Armagnac? The price difference seems favourable!

[Nuno Sa]

I like Cognac i have been in the region also, but never and any Armagnac.

[El Catador]

Hi Chris and great question (I?m lovin this thread! ? some superb info).

I noticed you mention a preference for sweeter Cognacs so I thought I?d mention the Camus brand as being worth a look, particularly the ?Elegance? range.

With Christmas rearing it?s ugly head in the not too distant future, it might be a good time to drop a few ?subtle? hints to ones ?nearest and dearest? about what you?d like Santa to bring (I?ve found post-it notes left dotted around the house tend to pay dividends). That being the case, I can thoroughly recommend the Hine Antique XO (rather eye-wateringly expensive I?m afraid, but an art form made manifest).

Michael69, I ?doff my cap? and humbly bow before your knowledge and good taste.
Having just looked up the Drouet et Fils XO ?Cuvee Ulysse? you mention, I can?t wait to get my hands on a snifter or two of it, and will be doing the aforementioned with the post-its notes with regard to hopefully finding a bottle under the tree. Sadly the Raymond Ragnaud will have to wait until I: a) win the lottery, or b) assume my rightful role as ruler of the planet. For city banker types, it?s available through ?The Whisky Exchange? at ?345 a pop!

P.S. I can absolutely endorse Michaels recommended Fontpinot XO Grande Champagne, one of my all time favourites (In fact, despite the sun not quite being over the yardarm, I'm pouring myself a glass as I write.. ahh bless those caramelised fruits!).

[El Catador]

Just a quick addition, with regard to the question on Armagnacs, I thought I?d throw in a mention of the Comte de Lauvia range, as they are fairly widely available and an excellent place to start out. Sainsbury?s used to sell their 12 year old XO for about ?20, fabulous value.

As a rule of thumb, I find they?re typically more pungent and aromatic than your average Cognac, though slightly less smooth, so (IMHO) better suited to counterpoint a more full bodied smoke. I recently treated myself to a glass of Delford Freres 1966 (special occasion) to accompany a well aged Cuban, bliss!

Looking forward to hearing of others. Keep 'em coming!

[Ramon]

I noticed you mention a preference for sweeter Cognacs so I thought I?d mention the Camus brand as being worth a look.

Already mentioned.

[El Catador]

Already mentioned.

Opps, my apologies Ramon. It's either my eyesight or my memory that's going ..I'm starting to worry its both.

[michael69]

Michael69, I ?doff my cap? and humbly bow before your knowledge and good taste.
Having just looked up the Drouet et Fils XO ?Cuvee Ulysse? you mention, I can?t wait to get my hands on a snifter or two of it, and will be doing the aforementioned with the post-its notes with regard to hopefully finding a bottle under the tree. Sadly the Raymond Ragnaud will have to wait until I: a) win the lottery, or b) assume my rightful role as ruler of the planet. For city banker types, it?s available through ?The Whisky Exchange? at ?345 a pop!

P.S. I can absolutely endorse Michaels recommended Fontpinot XO Grande Champagne, one of my all time favourites (In fact, despite the sun not quite being over the yardarm, I'm pouring myself a glass as I write.. ahh bless those caramelised fruits!).

Thanks Catador......

I'm definitely into cognacs/armagnacs and particularly whiskies....

My dad has 3 very very rare bottles of Raymond Ragnaud which he saved from the days whem he was the UK importer....

It's my (and my brother's/sister's!) inheritance!

I will always go for single-estate as I said before; so much more for the money in my opinion.

As far as whisk(e)y goes, I'm on the hunt for a 2003 George T Stagg bourbon, and a 1990 cask of Yamazaki if anyone happens to have any kicking around!

[pirald]

Remy Martin XSOP Premier Cru is my cognac of choice. Smoothest around )