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Food Cognac Recommendations

Discussion in 'Tilted Food' started by Remixer, Aug 19, 2017.

  1. Remixer

    Remixer Middle Eastern Doofus

    Location:
    Frankfurt, Germany
    Hi there,

    I'm currently looking to get my hands on a really nice cognac to enjoy together with my SO during our upcoming anniversary (soon-ish), so naturally with all of the dine & wine enthusiasts on here I figure I'd probe your expertise.

    I'd like it to be an extremely smooth cognac without any sharpness, and if possible with a finish on the sweeter side of things as she's a bit of a sweettooth when it comes to her drinks. She's also always had a deep interest in whisky/cognac with Asian origins (Japanese/Taiwanese/Thai), so any recommendations in that area would be much appreciated.

    Price doesn't really matter to me, though I doubt she'd be happy with me spending a thousand dollars on a single bottle. :p

    I'm actively researching, and would love your input.

    Cheers.
     
  2. Lindy

    Lindy Moderator Staff Member

    Location:
    Nebraska
    Sorry, can't help. I hate to admit to being so provincial, but I don't believe I've ever even tasted cognac.:(
     
    • Funny Funny x 1
  3. Remixer

    Remixer Middle Eastern Doofus

    Location:
    Frankfurt, Germany
    Nothing wrong with being provincial. :) As a vodka lover, I only started getting into cognacs 3 years ago. They're really great as a relaxing drink on the balcony or back porch to wind down the night.

    Some of the choices I'm currently considering:
    - Courvoisier XO Cognac
    - Hibiki Harmony Whisky
     
    • Like Like x 1
  4. redravin

    redravin Cynical Optimist Donor

    Location:
    North
    A friend of mine turned me on to Louis Royer Force 53 VSOP.
    It's got a serious kick to it, so a little goes a long ways.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  5. Borla

    Borla Moderator Staff Member

    Cognac is one of the varieties of liquor I haven't explored that much. I've tried some basics (Hennessy, Remy Martin, etc.), but nothing noteworthy or exciting. I'm generally not a huge fan of sweet drinks. I wish I could be of more help! Please let us know what you get and how you like it.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  6. snowy

    snowy so kawaii Staff Member

    Hibiki is delicious, but it's more like a Scotch than a Bourbon. It has some lingering sweetness but not a lot.

    I'm not a cognac drinker. I prefer Scotch, Bourbon, Japanese whiskey, or Canadian whisky. The cognac market doesn't have enough diversity for me to be interested.

    Other kinds of eaux de vie, though--like pear--that's yummy!
     
    • Like Like x 2
  7. Remixer

    Remixer Middle Eastern Doofus

    Location:
    Frankfurt, Germany
    Yeah, unfortunately that is definitely an issue. Made the thread with the hope of hearing of some niche cognacs, since I've gone through most of the (cheap and expensive) ones with household recognition. @redravin has already pointed me to one I hadn't tried yet but now certainly will in the near future.

    Currently leaning towards the Courvoisier for the anniversary as it looks like a nice match for my SO, but am always open to other options.
     
  8. rogue49

    rogue49 Tech Kung Fu Artist Staff Member

    Location:
    Baltimore/DC
    I hear that adding a bit of water to some whiskey enhances its flavor.

    Would the same be true for Cognac?
     
    • Like Like x 1
  9. omega

    omega Very Tilted

    You just read it somewhere, didn't you?
     
  10. Lindy

    Lindy Moderator Staff Member

    Location:
    Nebraska
    Yes, and I did too, but can't remember where.:oops:
     
  11. rogue49

    rogue49 Tech Kung Fu Artist Staff Member

    Location:
    Baltimore/DC
    Actually, I've heard it every so often over the years
    Mostly from experienced drinkers and connoisseurs, both from here and in Europe.
    I just haven't been a big drinker
    And I want to expand my horizons
     
  12. Remixer

    Remixer Middle Eastern Doofus

    Location:
    Frankfurt, Germany
    • Like Like x 1
  13. Lindy

    Lindy Moderator Staff Member

    Location:
    Nebraska
    • Like Like x 1
  14. rogue49

    rogue49 Tech Kung Fu Artist Staff Member

    Location:
    Baltimore/DC
    Yes, I've seen this in various media lately
    But I have heard it for years from various places
    They even had the tip from a Scotch whiskey vendor on a travel show in Scotland

    With the magic of the web...
    Why Whisky Pros Add Water to Their Glasses

    So no tap water, only spring/purified water

    ----

    However, with the same research...
    Cognac is different
    It's a Brandy, and it's best to drink it "neat"
    No water, no ice
    How To Drink Brandy

    So there's my answer and done with the power of the internet

    Just means I still have more to learn
    And more experiments in drinking
     
    • Like Like x 2
  15. Lindy

    Lindy Moderator Staff Member

    Location:
    Nebraska
    For the sake of science, right?
     
    • Like Like x 1
  16. Remixer

    Remixer Middle Eastern Doofus

    Location:
    Frankfurt, Germany
    Decided to go with the Courvoisier XO. Its drinking and flavour properties seem to be the best match out of the mid-range cognacs out there. Along with never having had it before and it being a great looking bottle, it seems like a pretty solid choice for the intended occasion.

    [​IMG]

    Will report back after we've had some of it some time in the next weeks. :)
     
    • Like Like x 1
  17. Zweiblumen

    Zweiblumen Slightly Tilted

    Location:
    Iceland
    Had I seen this in timely fashion I would have pointed out this option.
    [​IMG]
    Camus Josephine
     
    • Like Like x 2
  18. Remixer

    Remixer Middle Eastern Doofus

    Location:
    Frankfurt, Germany
    That is a beautiful bottle, @Zweiblumen. Seems like a great gift for a valued woman in one's life.

    Already ordered the Courvoisier, but will keep this one in mind for the future.
     
  19. Lindy

    Lindy Moderator Staff Member

    Location:
    Nebraska
    There's something very feminine about that bottle.:)
     
    • Like Like x 1
  20. rogue49

    rogue49 Tech Kung Fu Artist Staff Member

    Location:
    Baltimore/DC
    Went to a very nice high-end restaurant last night.
    Finished up my 10 course meal with a great cognac. :)

    Camus Borderies VSOP



    Started in a large brandy glass
    Inhaled a rich fragrance
    Then from the first sip...rolled around my tongue...very warm down my throat...with a great after taste.

    It went very well with the gourmet deserts I was having. :cool:
    Slowly finished it, taking my time.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Aug 27, 2017
    • Like Like x 1