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Author Topic: Cognac Thread  (Read 1827 times)

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ROK

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Cognac Thread
« on: June 26, 2013, 05:48:24 PM »
Anyone enjoy a fine glass of cognac as much as I do? I love scotch but I was looking for more of a cinnamony, fruity drink and found it with my now-beloved Remy Martin Excellence XO, and Henessy XO.
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donunus

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Re: Cognac Thread
« Reply #1 on: June 26, 2013, 05:55:19 PM »
I love cognac but I drink too much and don't want to spend several thousand dollars a month on drinks which is the only reason why I don't drink Remy or Hennessy everyday.
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CEE TEE

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Re: Cognac Thread
« Reply #2 on: June 27, 2013, 12:44:20 AM »
I LOVE cognac but found some great character in Armagnac.
 
Specifically Boigneres with 100% Folle Blanche, but traditional blends are preferred by most.
 
Best Value is Marie Duffaut Hors D'Age.  Fantastic for the price!
 
Keep in mind that batches/years of Armagnac even within the same Chateau will vary wildly.
 
The two above and sometimes Ravignan will be your best bets and introduction.
 
There is less distillation and therefore it is a bit more "rustic" and flavorful.
 
Stick to "Bas Armagnac".  That is the region is the best for the wines that are used in the distillation to create Armagnac. 
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Anaxilus.

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Re: Cognac Thread
« Reply #3 on: June 27, 2013, 03:53:18 AM »
Second Henessy XO, though I prefer/use HINE XO.  Have to say Courvoisier VS, VSOP, XO are pretty atrocious.
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Anaxilus.

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Re: Cognac Thread
« Reply #4 on: June 27, 2013, 03:55:51 AM »
Quote from: CEE TEE on June 27, 2013, 12:44:20 AM
I LOVE cognac but found some great character in Armagnac.
 
Specifically Boigneres with 100% Folle Blanche, but traditional blends are preferred by most.
 
Best Value is Marie Duffaut Hors D'Age.  Fantastic for the price!
 
Keep in mind that batches/years of Armagnac even within the same Chateau will vary wildly.
 
The two above and sometimes Ravignan will be your best bets and introduction.
 
There is less distillation and therefore it is a bit more "rustic" and flavorful.
 
Stick to "Bas Armagnac".  That is the region is the best for the wines that are used in the distillation to create Armagnac.


Such a shame that California has better grapes than France on the whole, but we don't have the 250 years of time invested to make a proper Cognac.
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CEE TEE

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Re: Cognac Thread
« Reply #5 on: June 27, 2013, 05:22:01 AM »
Would be interesting to try an Armangac (single-distilled) or a Cognac (double-distilled) produced here in California.


Couple of issues are the aging time and also the wines used.  Folle Blanche, Bacco, Colombard, and Ugni Blanc are usually used for Armagnac.


What?  Yeah, I don't know if those will grow well in California.  Particular regions and very specific areas were found through trial and error plus generations and iterations over in France and that's why their wines are still sold based upon AOC (appellations the wines have to be grown in).


Those wines are what are distilled, then you need 12-25 years for some good aging.


As for Cognac, I used to prefer Martell to the Henessey XO.   Martell Cordon Bleu also disappears way too quickly for me to have it around...


I remember some very floral Maison Surrenne brandy, does that sound familiar?
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anetode

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Re: Cognac Thread
« Reply #6 on: July 04, 2013, 03:31:58 AM »
Hennessy XO is definitely my favorite of the big names. Second comes Courvoisier - especially their Napoleon. Not a fan of Remy Martin at all. Meukow VS is a decent budget option. I've only had Hine a couple of times and don't remember much about it.

My favorite is A. de Fussigny's Cigar Blend, which, sadly, can no longer be found. It was delicious with or without a cigar accompaniment but those few occasions when I've coupled it with a Maduro and poker made for memorably joyous nights.

I was once crazy enough to order a taste of the Hennessy Richard. Its complex sweetness kind of ruined all other cognacs for me for about a year.

Armagnac is a thoroughly enjoyable alternative. I like the Cles des Ducs, though it does have some bite.

Whenever I'm with family we default to a selection from near our homeland, Georgian brandy. I highly recommend giving one a shot if you ever run across them.

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brcmrgn

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Re: Cognac Thread
« Reply #7 on: July 07, 2013, 01:43:37 AM »
I'm currently drinking a Pierre Ferrand Vintage Edition, distilled in 1973 and bottled in 1999. Not bad. My wife buys me a nice Cognac every year for Christmas.
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ROK

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Re: Cognac Thread
« Reply #8 on: August 13, 2013, 02:06:16 PM »
It's gong to take me a million years before I try everything mentioned here. :P

So do you guys use just brandy glass? Anyone try Riedel's glass before?

I hear the wrong glass can make the drink taste like shit.
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CEE TEE

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Re: Cognac Thread
« Reply #9 on: August 13, 2013, 10:00:18 PM »
We generally use a glencairn or a very small snifter.
Much/Most of taste is actually smell.
A good glass focuses and helps deliver the molecules to the nose.
Also add a touch of cool water (start with drops or a teaspoon) to release more scent with less alcohol.
 
I really try to control temperature and concentration to taste.   :)p5
 
 
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