Cognac

[Infidel!]

Of late I have been getting into experimenting with Cognac. I'm sure it's not for everybody, but I have become a big fan. It's certainly not for guzzling, sipping is the key. It pairs nicely, and can hold it's own with a good, full bodied cigar. It will keep you warm on the inside on a chilly night too.

To be called cognac, it has to be made in the region surrounding the French town of Cognac, and from specific grapes. Yes, cognac is made from wine, but the wine is virtually undrinkable. After the wine is produced, it is then distilled twice, then aged in barrels, usually made of Limousine oak. The amount of aging determines the grade of the cognac.

There are the different grades:

VS (Very Special) - aged at least 2 years - Good, inexpensive

VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) - Aged at least 4 years but not more than 6, but the wood age is usually much older - Very good, smoother than the VS, with more oaky, smoky flavor to it. More expensive ($35-60)

XO (eXtra Old) - aged at least 6 years, but often upwards of 20, and I have seen it as old as 100 years. The smoothest and most flavorful, but very expensive. ($150 and up). There was a liquor store going out of business and liquidating their stock, so I was able to pick up a bottle of Courvoisier XO on the cheap.

Like a good whiskey, it only ages in the barrel. If you like a good single malt, I think cognac would appeal to you.

So far, I've tried the big four VSOP and like Hennessy Priviledge and Remy Martin VSOP the best.

[y2kflhr]

I used to drink courvoisier vsop but that was a long time ago! I guess I need to give it a revisit

[MegaGlide]

Remy Martin VSOP in the cabinet here.
I don't make it live as hard as my single malts, and I've gotta be in the mood for it, but it is some good stuff!

[fxr4mikey]

been a big fan of Courvoisier and Hennesy for many years ... The VSOP stuff is very good.... I don't recall every spending the $ on the XO stuff, whut with being the cheap bastage that I am ...... Given my choice between these and a good single malt, or single barrel bourbon..... I'll take this one most every time.

isn't it actually considered a 'Brandy' ? aka the wine heritage ? IDK

[Infidel!]

Cognac is a form of brandy, but brandy can be made from grapes or other fruit and is usually produced by a single distillation with very loose standards. By contrast, the standards for cognac are very strictly controlled by laws and tradition. Double-distilled in copper pots, all cognac comes from a specific region in France and is made from specific types of grapes. French law stipulates what can be called cognac, as well as the grade of cognac. Brandy can be made anywhere and from virtually anything, like cheap wine.

[ms_tapestry]

I have a bottle of Courvoisier VS that showed up at my Christmas Party. If I recall correctly we were dipping the ends of cigars in it before we smoked them. . .

[Scabbydoo]

Nothing like a good cognac on a cold winter evening to warm the belly and the cockles. A fan of Hennessy and Courvasier as well.

One of these will add to the pleasure

[fxr4mikey]

OH LA LA !!! I'd like to have one of those !!!!!!!

[FXRS]

Salignac, in a microwaved glass.

[RoadWolf]

It's popular with any Ladies Man

[Infidel!]

Originally Posted by Scabbydoo

Nothing like a good cognac on a cold winter evening to warm the belly and the cockles. A fan of Hennessy and Courvasier as well.

One of these will add to the pleasure

Oh. That looks nice!



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