Recommend A Brandy

[Montano]

I'm not much of a Brandy drinker, but for some reason I have a craving for a nice snifter full. What are some nice brands that you guys enjoy ?

Maybe it's the whole brandy/eggnog thing, but I'll skip the eggnog

[bobarian]

I am going to assume you mean cognac and not something like a Christian Brothers Brandy @ $8/bottle. I would go with something basic like a Remy Martin or Hennessey VSOP for around $30/bottle. Try one of those and if you dont like it you havent blown $100 on something you wont drink.

[Veritas]

One of the best bang-for-the-buck bottles I have run across is Tbilisi Reserve XO. It's a Georgian (think Soviet, not Atlanta) brandy that is as smooth as silk. It retails somewhere in the $38-42 range.

Thanks for reminding me about this. I had to dig through my pantry to find my bottle. Now it's at the front of the shelf waiting to be enjoyed.

I always was a fan of Brandi Brandt

[T.G]

Originally Posted by bobarian

I am going to assume you mean cognac and not something like a Christian Brothers Brandy @ $8/bottle. I would go with something basic like a Remy Martin or Hennessey VSOP for around $30/bottle. Try one of those and if you dont like it you havent blown $100 on something you wont drink.

Nick, Bob is wise, listen to him.


Cheap brandy is really only good for spiking homemade Sangria, various styles hot mulled wines and adding flavor to cooking/baked dishes.

..oh, and degreasing engine parts.

[Montano]

Well I have a bottle of Courvoisier, not sure which, but I can't say I care for it. Perhaps I will try one that Bob recommends and go from there.

[bobarian]

Take a look at the Courvoisier bottle, it should have some notation on the label denoting quaility. VS, VSOP and XO are the most common, in order of quality.

[Montano]

Originally Posted by bobarian

Take a look at the Courvoisier bottle, it should have some notation on the label denoting quaility. VS, VSOP and XO are the most common, in order of quality.

VS

I assume the other types may be better ? Because after tasting the VS, I don't know that I'd want to spend money on another bottle of similar alcohol.

[bobarian]

Originally Posted by Montano

VS

I assume the other types may be better ? Because after tasting the VS, I don't know that I'd want to spend money on another bottle of similar alcohol.

VSOP is the next grade up. I think you will notice the difference. Should run $35-40. XO is one up from VSOP and will run $60-90. So it just depends on what you want to spend. I like the cheap stuff for EggNog and VSOP for sipping. If had Moses' bankroll I would go for the Fernand as well starting at about $65. But alas I am poor.

[T.G]

Originally Posted by Montano

VS

I assume the other types may be better ? Because after tasting the VS, I don't know that I'd want to spend money on another bottle of similar alcohol.

I've always felt that VS cognac was pretty rough.

Yes, VS is the low end, the VSOP is a higher grade and the XO is a higher grade above that. There are also some sub-grades between them and even some grade extensions or grades above XO. XO is rather spendy, go above it and the price just skyrockets.

[mosesbotbol]

The best bottle of Pierre Ferrand you can afford.

[T.G]

If you're going to dump something in eggnog, just get a bottle of Sailor Jerry spiced rum...

[Montano]

No eggnog for me. I like to taste what I'm drinking. I'm still leaning away from Courvoisier though.....

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by volfan

wow! I guess I should have just started another thread instead of searching since I can not read the dates on the threads or posts.

Nope, it's actually much better just the way you did it, Scottie.

Nice PM scottie. Thanks for the warm welcome! LOL