I've got in in my head to try cognac for the first time. I'm not much of a
drinker anymore. That part of my life came and went. I pretty much only drink
red wine now, and enjoy cherry flavored brandy. I never developed a taste for
the dark liquors, like scotch or rye. So I'm wondering what cognac would be
like. All I know about it is that it seems to be a classy drink. My question,
and forgive me for asking such a stupid one, is how do you drink it? I mean,
temperature, serving size, etc. I've seen people in movies and on TV warming
something up over a flame. Cognac or brandy? I did a little research and see the
alcohol content is about 40% or 80 proof. But I know little else. Also brands?
I'd appreciate any help in delving into this possible pleasure late in life.
Thanks.

On 14 Jun, 05:36, wrote:
> I've got in in my head to try cognac for the first time. I'm not much of a
> drinker anymore. That part of my life came and went. I pretty much only drink
> red wine now, and enjoy cherry flavored brandy. I never developed a taste for
> the dark liquors, like scotch or rye. So I'm wondering what cognac would be
> like. All I know about it is that it seems to be a classy drink. My question,
> and forgive me for asking such a stupid one, is how do you drink it? I mean,
> temperature, serving size, etc. I've seen people in movies and on TV warming
> something up over a flame. Cognac or brandy? I did a little research and see the
> alcohol content is about 40% or 80 proof. But I know little else. Also brands?
> I'd appreciate any help in delving into this possible pleasure late in life.
> Thanks.

Give it a try my friend.
Warming with a flame is just showing off, but a bowl shaped brandy
glass is designed to be held in the palm of the hand, so warming the
brandy. But brandy doesn't have to be warm to be enjoyed. I've even
drank it with ice if that's how the mood takes me.
Cognac or brandy? Unless you live in France don't get hung up on it.
The individual brands will have distinctive flavours. You'll just have
to try a few to see what you like. Lots of research, but I guess
you'll just have to work your way through it!
If you're looking for quality rather than quantity then buy something
with a 4 or 5 star rating. One of my personal favourites is Asbach, a
German brandy which I acquired a taste for while serving there in the
armed forces. The connoiseurs will, no doubt, sneer at that choice,
but who cares what they think.
Essentially, too cheap tends to be a bit rough, but you'll enjoy a
good quality brandy from any of the major brands. If you want to spend
a bit more you can get better quality.
One tip, don't try and do all your research in one night!
Enjoy.

John Morgan
www.morgans-net.com

John Morgan wrote:

> Cognac or brandy? Unless you live in France don't get hung up on it.
> The individual brands will have distinctive flavours. You'll just have
> to try a few to see what you like. Lots of research, but I guess
> you'll just have to work your way through it!
> If you're looking for quality rather than quantity then buy something
> with a 4 or 5 star rating. One of my personal favourites is Asbach, a
> German brandy which I acquired a taste for while serving there in the
> armed forces. The connoiseurs will, no doubt, sneer at that choice,
> but who cares what they think.

Also Cardenal Mendoza from Spain is a good brandy.
--
Vilco
Think pink, drink rose'

You want a single-vineyard, single-vintage Cognac from the
Cognac region of France. There are other good brandies in
the world, i.e. California brandy from Germain Robard, but
you probably want the reference point of a good Cognac.

Here is a link to one retailer.
http://www.klwines.com/find/search.asp?id=50
If you have a wine retailer you trust, ask them.


Steve

Steve Pope wrote:

> You want a single-vineyard, single-vintage Cognac from the
> Cognac region of France. There are other good brandies in
> the world, i.e. California brandy from Germain Robard, but
> you probably want the reference point of a good Cognac.

To add up to what Steve wrote, here's a map of the Cognac region:
http://www.diwinetaste.com/html/dwt2...appaCognac.gif
The six areas are listed in order of quality, but some say that there's very
little difference between Petit Champagne and Grand champagne in terms of
quality.
--
Vilco
Think pink, drink rose'

In article >, (Steve Pope) writes:
> You want a single-vineyard, single-vintage Cognac from the
> Cognac region of France. There are other good brandies in
> the world, i.e. California brandy from Germain Robard, but
> you probably want the reference point of a good Cognac.
>
> Here is a link to one retailer.
> http://www.klwines.com/find/search.asp?id=50
> If you have a wine retailer you trust, ask them.

The first time I tried cognac I discovered that I liked the flavor. It is
strong, though. I think the flavor is very complementary with dark chocolate.
A glass of cognac and a little dish of chocolate mousse is sheer heaven.


- Sharon
"Gravity... is a harsh mistress!"

In article >, rfdjr1
@optonline.net says...
> I've got in in my head to try cognac for the first time.
>
Can't really help with the cognac, but I'm going through the sme thing
with Gin. I've always been a Vodka or Bourbon drinker, but Gins have
been getting more and more popular, and I've read about the different
types.
Tried tanqueray in a classic gin and tonic and is was wonderful and
fragrent and bitter sweet.
--
Carl Robson
Audio stream: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com:8000/samtest
Homepage: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com

On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:23:01 +0100, Elder
> wrote:

>Tried tanqueray in a classic gin and tonic and is was wonderful and
>fragrent and bitter sweet.

T&T is wonderful! Have you tried Beefeaters and Tonic yet?

--
See return address to reply by email

sf wrote:

>> Tried tanqueray in a classic gin and tonic and is was wonderful and
>> fragrent and bitter sweet.

> T&T is wonderful! Have you tried Beefeaters and Tonic yet?

Lining up the good ones, eh? OK, let's put Bombay Sapphire in the number
then.
--
Vilco
Think pink, drink rose'

On Jun 14, 7:50 am, "Vilco" > wrote:
> sf wrote:
> >> Tried tanqueray in a classic gin and tonic and is was wonderful and
> >> fragrent and bitter sweet.
> > T&T is wonderful! Have you tried Beefeaters and Tonic yet?
>
> Lining up the good ones, eh? OK, let's put Bombay Sapphire in the number
> then.
> --
> Vilco
> Think pink, drink rose'

Agreed! It also has to be a martini, not mixed with tonic!

In article .com>,
says...
> Agreed! It also has to be a martini, not mixed with tonic!
>
I quite fancy some martini variations (especially on the garnish) with
thinkgs like jelapeno stuffed olive.
--
Carl Robson
Audio stream: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com:8000/samtest
Homepage: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com

On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 08:20:33 -0700, merryb > wrote:

>On Jun 14, 7:50 am, "Vilco" > wrote:
>> sf wrote:
>> >> Tried tanqueray in a classic gin and tonic and is was wonderful and
>> >> fragrent and bitter sweet.
>> > T&T is wonderful! Have you tried Beefeaters and Tonic yet?
>>
>> Lining up the good ones, eh? OK, let's put Bombay Sapphire in the number
>> then.
>> --
>> Vilco
>> Think pink, drink rose'
>
>Agreed! It also has to be a martini, not mixed with tonic!

Thank you Merry... Sapphire *makes* a great martini!

--
See return address to reply by email

In article >, lid
says...
> sf wrote:
>
> >> Tried tanqueray in a classic gin and tonic and is was wonderful and
> >> fragrent and bitter sweet.
>
> > T&T is wonderful! Have you tried Beefeaters and Tonic yet?
>
> Lining up the good ones, eh? OK, let's put Bombay Sapphire in the number
> then.
>
That was the other option, We looked at them both and went with Tanq
first.
Going to try an organic plymouth gin too.

I always remember my grandma drinking gin and orange juice and something
put me off, but I guess tastes change, because I really enjoyed the
fruity herby taste instead it reminding me of flowery perfume.
--
Carl Robson
Audio stream: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com:8000/samtest
Homepage: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com

On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 16:28:04 +0100, Elder
> wrote:

>Going to try an organic plymouth gin too.

I don't buy booze until I can try it in a bar or wherever. The couple
of times I've asked for Plymouth at a bar, they haven't had it. I
don't even know if my local Liquor Barn carries it. I need to look.

--
See return address to reply by email

On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 14:50:07 GMT, "Vilco" > wrote:

>sf wrote:
>
>>> Tried tanqueray in a classic gin and tonic and is was wonderful and
>>> fragrent and bitter sweet.
>
>> T&T is wonderful! Have you tried Beefeaters and Tonic yet?
>
>Lining up the good ones, eh? OK, let's put Bombay Sapphire in the number
>then.

Oh, Vilco.... Adulterating Sapphire with tonic is almost
sacrilegious! Sapphire Blue is best in a "dry" martini.... I haven't
worked up to "very dry" yet. "Very dry" (IMO) is when you whisper
"vermouth" over the gin. That's too dry for me.



--
See return address to reply by email

sf wrote:

>> Lining up the good ones, eh? OK, let's put Bombay Sapphire in the
>> number then.

> Oh, Vilco.... Adulterating Sapphire with tonic is almost
> sacrilegious!

LOL, I agree. I always had sapphire on its own.
--
Vilco
Think pink, drink rose'

In article >, sf says...
> On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:23:01 +0100, Elder
> > wrote:
>
> >Tried tanqueray in a classic gin and tonic and is was wonderful and
> >fragrent and bitter sweet.
>
> T&T is wonderful! Have you tried Beefeaters and Tonic yet?
>
>
Not yet. I have to admit, the Tanqueray will need to be finished first,
then some other brands.
--
Carl Robson
Audio stream: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com:8000/samtest
Homepage: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com

Elder wrote:
> In article >, sf says...
>> On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:23:01 +0100, Elder
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> Tried tanqueray in a classic gin and tonic and is was wonderful and
>>> fragrent and bitter sweet.
>> T&T is wonderful! Have you tried Beefeaters and Tonic yet?
>>
>>
> Not yet. I have to admit, the Tanqueray will need to be finished first,
> then some other brands.

I'm currently drinking some gin named New Amsterdam Straight Gin. I sent
22 yr old to get some gin and this is what he returned with. I swear I
think he bought it because of the massive, heavy, funky bottle? You
could almost make a lamp out of it..?
Hmmmmmm... kid lives on his own now...probably DOES need a lamp...maybe
that *is* what he was thinking?! LOL
http://www.tastings.com/scout_spirits.lasso?id=178719

In article >, Goomba38
@comcast.net says...
> Hmmmmmm... kid lives on his own now...probably DOES need a lamp...maybe
> that *is* what he was thinking?! LOL
> http://www.tastings.com/scout_spirits.lasso?id=178719
>
Actually sounds quite pleasant. Wonder if I can find that in the UK.
--
Carl Robson
Audio stream: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com:8000/samtest
Homepage: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com

On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:31:38 -0400, Goomba38 >
wrote:

>Hmmmmmm... kid lives on his own now...probably DOES need a lamp...maybe
>that *is* what he was thinking?! LOL
>http://www.tastings.com/scout_spirits.lasso?id=178719

Now you have to take a picture of that bottle so we can see what it
looks like.





--
See return address to reply by email

In article >, rfdjr1
@optonline.net says...
> I've got in in my head to try cognac for the first time. I'm not much of a
> drinker anymore. That part of my life came and went. I pretty much only drink
> red wine now, and enjoy cherry flavored brandy. I never developed a taste for
> the dark liquors, like scotch or rye. So I'm wondering what cognac would be
> like. All I know about it is that it seems to be a classy drink. My question,
> and forgive me for asking such a stupid one, is how do you drink it? I mean,
> temperature, serving size, etc. I've seen people in movies and on TV warming
> something up over a flame. Cognac or brandy? I did a little research and see the
> alcohol content is about 40% or 80 proof. But I know little else. Also brands?
> I'd appreciate any help in delving into this possible pleasure late in life.
> Thanks.
>
>

Cognac, which is brandy made in the Cognac region of France, is best
drunk straight in a snifter, no ice.

Regular brandy, which is made in many places (Spain makes some lovely
ones) is versatile. I like brandy and soda. Of course you could use
cognac for this but I think it would be a waste of $$.

--
Peter Aitken

Peter A said...

> In article >, rfdjr1
> @optonline.net says...
>> I've got in in my head to try cognac for the first time. I'm not much
>> of a drinker anymore. That part of my life came and went. I pretty much
>> only drink red wine now, and enjoy cherry flavored brandy. I never
>> developed a taste for the dark liquors, like scotch or rye. So I'm
>> wondering what cognac would be like. All I know about it is that it
>> seems to be a classy drink. My question, and forgive me for asking such
>> a stupid one, is how do you drink it? I mean, temperature, serving
>> size, etc. I've seen people in movies and on TV warming something up
>> over a flame. Cognac or brandy? I did a little research and see the
>> alcohol content is about 40% or 80 proof. But I know little else. Also
>> brands? I'd appreciate any help in delving into this possible pleasure
>> late in life. Thanks.
>>
>>
>
> Cognac, which is brandy made in the Cognac region of France, is best
> drunk straight in a snifter, no ice.
>
> Regular brandy, which is made in many places (Spain makes some lovely
> ones) is versatile. I like brandy and soda. Of course you could use
> cognac for this but I think it would be a waste of $$.


I've got an airplane bottle of Grand Marnier on the kitchen sink window
shelf. Supposedly good for a French toast "marinade."

That's orange cognac, right?

Andy

On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 09:08:13 -0500, Andy <q> wrote:

>
>I've got an airplane bottle of Grand Marnier on the kitchen sink window
>shelf. Supposedly good for a French toast "marinade."
>

Before I lost the recipe, it was the "secret" ingredient in my
pineapple/orange marmalade.

--
See return address to reply by email

said...

> On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 09:08:13 -0500, Andy <q> wrote:
>
>>
>>I've got an airplane bottle of Grand Marnier on the kitchen sink window
>>shelf. Supposedly good for a French toast "marinade."
>>
>
> Before I lost the recipe, it was the "secret" ingredient in my
> pineapple/orange marmalade.


sf,

I'll bet that spiced up breakfast!

Let me guess, you like coffee before sex too??

Andy

On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 10:16:29 -0500, Andy <q> wrote:

> said...
>
>> On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 09:08:13 -0500, Andy <q> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>I've got an airplane bottle of Grand Marnier on the kitchen sink window
>>>shelf. Supposedly good for a French toast "marinade."
>>>
>>
>> Before I lost the recipe, it was the "secret" ingredient in my
>> pineapple/orange marmalade.
>
>sf,
>
>I'll bet that spiced up breakfast!
>
Seriously, it really DID make a difference in the mixture! I made it
one time without the GM and there was a definite difference which I
didn't like.
>
>Let me guess, you like coffee before sex too??

Coffee???? I'm not "that" easy. Sheesh! Give me some credit.



--
See return address to reply by email

Andy wrote:

> I've got an airplane bottle of Grand Marnier on the kitchen sink
> window shelf. Supposedly good for a French toast "marinade."
> That's orange cognac, right?

Don't know what it is, but having drank it many times I can say the 2 things
are lightyears distant, Grand marnier is damns sweet and thick. But both do
well on ice cream...
--
Vilco
Think pink, drink rose'

In article >, Andy <q> says...
> I've got an airplane bottle of Grand Marnier on the kitchen sink window
> shelf. Supposedly good for a French toast "marinade."
>
> That's orange cognac, right?
>

I believe that's right, sweetened too. Mix some in your syrup.

--
Peter Aitken

In article >,
says...
> Regular brandy, which is made in many places (Spain makes some lovely
> ones) is versatile. I like brandy and soda. Of course you could use
> cognac for this but I think it would be a waste of $$.
>
I actually like Sobrano spanish brandy with almond flavoured cola (its a
Tesco supermarket home brand that actually tastes good). It is like
drinking liquid marzipan.
--
Carl Robson
Audio stream: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com:8000/samtest
Homepage: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com

On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:36:15 -0400, wrote:

>I've got in in my head to try cognac for the first time. I'm not much of a
>drinker anymore. That part of my life came and went. I pretty much only drink
>red wine now, and enjoy cherry flavored brandy. I never developed a taste for
>the dark liquors, like scotch or rye. So I'm wondering what cognac would be
>like. All I know about it is that it seems to be a classy drink. My question,
>and forgive me for asking such a stupid one, is how do you drink it? I mean,
>temperature, serving size, etc. I've seen people in movies and on TV warming
>something up over a flame. Cognac or brandy? I did a little research and see the
>alcohol content is about 40% or 80 proof. But I know little else. Also brands?
>I'd appreciate any help in delving into this possible pleasure late in life.
>Thanks.

If you're really that clueless about brandy and cognac, don't spend
any money on a bottle of hooch right now. Go to a "better" bar and
get a shot of something you're interested in trying (if you don't know
what to try, ask the bartender)... buy at least 3 shots of three
different cognacs (or brandys) and line them up. Taste. Then go off
and buy a bottle of the one you liked.

--
See return address to reply by email

wrote:
>
> I've got in in my head to try cognac for the first time. I'm not much of a
> drinker anymore. That part of my life came and went. I pretty much only drink
> red wine now, and enjoy cherry flavored brandy. I never developed a taste for
> the dark liquors, like scotch or rye. So I'm wondering what cognac would be
> like. All I know about it is that it seems to be a classy drink. My question,
> and forgive me for asking such a stupid one, is how do you drink it? I mean,
> temperature, serving size, etc. I've seen people in movies and on TV warming
> something up over a flame. Cognac or brandy? I did a little research and see the
> alcohol content is about 40% or 80 proof. But I know little else. Also brands?
> I'd appreciate any help in delving into this possible pleasure late in life.

Cognac is brandy. It is brandy from the Cognac region. Another region that
makes great brandy is Armanac. it doe snot need to be heated up but it is
usually drunk from a snifter that allows you to savour the aroma, and you
hold it with your and around the bottom of the glass, not the stem, so that
the warmth from your hand helps to release that aroma.

It is potent stuff. If you find yourself enjoying brandy you might want to
try some good Scotch, single malt not a blend.

On Jun 13, 9:36 pm, wrote:
> I've got in in my head to try cognac for the first time. I'm not much of a
> drinker anymore. That part of my life came and went. I pretty much only drink
> red wine now, and enjoy cherry flavored brandy. I never developed a taste for
> the dark liquors, like scotch or rye. So I'm wondering what cognac would be
> like. All I know about it is that it seems to be a classy drink. My question,
> and forgive me for asking such a stupid one, is how do you drink it? I mean,
> temperature, serving size, etc. I've seen people in movies and on TV warming
> something up over a flame. Cognac or brandy? I did a little research and see the
> alcohol content is about 40% or 80 proof. But I know little else. Also brands?
> I'd appreciate any help in delving into this possible pleasure late in life.
> Thanks.

At one time, I worked in a private club in Seattle called The Ruins.
As an employee and after 6 months of working there, you & 3 guests can
have dinner there(one time only). My husband, Mom, & sister were my
guests. After a fabulous dinner, we were asked if we would like an
after dinner drink. Of course, but what to have?? Our server said he
would pick out something good for us. He returned with 4 glasses of
Cognaq, which we enjoyed. As we were getting ready to leave, he
informed me not to tell, but we had just had $1000.00 worth of Cognac
after our $500.00 dinner!

"merryb" > wrote
>
> At one time, I worked in a private club in Seattle called The Ruins.
> As an employee and after 6 months of working there, you & 3 guests can
> have dinner there(one time only). My husband, Mom, & sister were my
> guests. After a fabulous dinner, we were asked if we would like an
> after dinner drink. Of course, but what to have?? Our server said he
> would pick out something good for us. He returned with 4 glasses of
> Cognaq, which we enjoyed. As we were getting ready to leave, he
> informed me not to tell, but we had just had $1000.00 worth of Cognac
> after our $500.00 dinner!
>

Mmm hmmm. I'll believe that if you tell me he charged you that for it.

On Jun 14, 1:22 pm, "cybercat" > wrote:
> "merryb" > wrote
>
>
>
> > At one time, I worked in a private club in Seattle called The Ruins.
> > As an employee and after 6 months of working there, you & 3 guests can
> > have dinner there(one time only). My husband, Mom, & sister were my
> > guests. After a fabulous dinner, we were asked if we would like an
> > after dinner drink. Of course, but what to have?? Our server said he
> > would pick out something good for us. He returned with 4 glasses of
> > Cognaq, which we enjoyed. As we were getting ready to leave, he
> > informed me not to tell, but we had just had $1000.00 worth of Cognac
> > after our $500.00 dinner!
>
> Mmm hmmm. I'll believe that if you tell me he charged you that for it.

No charge- the one time meal was gratis. And I really don't care if
you believe me!

"merryb" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> On Jun 14, 1:22 pm, "cybercat" > wrote:
>> "merryb" > wrote
>>
>>
>>
>> > At one time, I worked in a private club in Seattle called The Ruins.
>> > As an employee and after 6 months of working there, you & 3 guests can
>> > have dinner there(one time only). My husband, Mom, & sister were my
>> > guests. After a fabulous dinner, we were asked if we would like an
>> > after dinner drink. Of course, but what to have?? Our server said he
>> > would pick out something good for us. He returned with 4 glasses of
>> > Cognaq, which we enjoyed. As we were getting ready to leave, he
>> > informed me not to tell, but we had just had $1000.00 worth of Cognac
>> > after our $500.00 dinner!
>>
>> Mmm hmmm. I'll believe that if you tell me he charged you that for it.
>
> No charge- the one time meal was gratis. And I really don't care if
> you believe me!
>
I don't need you to care, but it might be nice for you if you knew when a
waiter was conning you.

On Jun 14, 1:59 pm, "cybercat" > wrote:
> "merryb" > wrote in message
>
> oups.com...
>
>
>
> > On Jun 14, 1:22 pm, "cybercat" > wrote:
> >> "merryb" > wrote
>
> >> > At one time, I worked in a private club in Seattle called The Ruins.
> >> > As an employee and after 6 months of working there, you & 3 guests can
> >> > have dinner there(one time only). My husband, Mom, & sister were my
> >> > guests. After a fabulous dinner, we were asked if we would like an
> >> > after dinner drink. Of course, but what to have?? Our server said he
> >> > would pick out something good for us. He returned with 4 glasses of
> >> > Cognaq, which we enjoyed. As we were getting ready to leave, he
> >> > informed me not to tell, but we had just had $1000.00 worth of Cognac
> >> > after our $500.00 dinner!
>
> >> Mmm hmmm. I'll believe that if you tell me he charged you that for it.
>
> > No charge- the one time meal was gratis. And I really don't care if
> > you believe me!
>
> I don't need you to care, but it might be nice for you if you knew when a
> waiter was conning you.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

You are right- he could have been full of it! It was a great time, and
I didn't have to pay for it, so I guess it really doesn't matter.

> wrote in message
...
> I've got in in my head to try cognac for the first time. I'm not much of a
> drinker anymore. That part of my life came and went. I pretty much only
drink
> red wine now, and enjoy cherry flavored brandy. I never developed a taste
for
> the dark liquors, like scotch or rye. So I'm wondering what cognac would
be
> like. All I know about it is that it seems to be a classy drink. My
question,
> and forgive me for asking such a stupid one, is how do you drink it? I
mean,
> temperature, serving size, etc. I've seen people in movies and on TV
warming
> something up over a flame. Cognac or brandy? I did a little research and
see the
> alcohol content is about 40% or 80 proof. But I know little else. Also
brands?
> I'd appreciate any help in delving into this possible pleasure late in
life.
> Thanks.
>


Cognac is the more refined cousin of brandy. Start with a fine cognac that
won't break the bank. My personal favorite is Pierre Frerrand. Not hugely
expensive at 60 bucks a bottle, but you don't drink it every day. Get
yourself a nice set of snifters. The shape of the glass helps to release
the aromas. Cognac is such a delicate liquor, with amazing nuances and
incredible aromas. You'll smell apples, cherry, cream, honey, butter and
vanilla in the PF. I prefer it over Courvoisier any time. Drink it at room
temperature. Allow your hands to warm the glass it helps release the
aromas. It's not a snobbery thing, it really makes a difference in your
enjoyment. Employ the nose, sniff deeply, let it rest a moment then a nice
sip. Allow it to slowly cover the tongue. A fine cognac is a symphony of
rich aromas and every sip should be savored.

Start with a nice VSOP, that stands for Very Special Old Pale. Don't even
think about the VS, Very Special, compared to VSOP it is unremarkable.
Start with the good stuff. If you like it, move up to the XO, eXtra Old and
then of course the Napoleon Brandy,

Paul

"Paul M. Cook" wrote:
>
>
>
> Start with a nice VSOP, that stands for Very Special Old Pale. Don't even
> think about the VS, Very Special, compared to VSOP it is unremarkable.
> Start with the good stuff. If you like it, move up to the XO, eXtra Old and
> then of course the Napoleon Brandy,

Personally. I sort of like the VSOs because they still have a bit of a bite
to them.

wrote in
:

> I've got in in my head to try cognac for the first time. I'm not much
> of a drinker anymore. That part of my life came and went. I pretty
> much only drink red wine now, and enjoy cherry flavored brandy. I
> never developed a taste for the dark liquors, like scotch or rye. So
> I'm wondering what cognac would be like. All I know about it is that
> it seems to be a classy drink. My question, and forgive me for asking
> such a stupid one, is how do you drink it? I mean, temperature,
> serving size, etc. I've seen people in movies and on TV warming
> something up over a flame. Cognac or brandy? I did a little research
> and see the alcohol content is about 40% or 80 proof. But I know
> little else. Also brands? I'd appreciate any help in delving into this
> possible pleasure late in life. Thanks.
>
>

If you enjoy cherry flavored brandy, cognac is not for you. A classy drink
is any drink a person with class chooses to drink.
Regards,
Hank

"Henry St.Pierre" > wrote in message
7.142...
> wrote in
> :
>
> > I've got in in my head to try cognac for the first time. I'm not much
> > of a drinker anymore. That part of my life came and went. I pretty
> > much only drink red wine now, and enjoy cherry flavored brandy. I
> > never developed a taste for the dark liquors, like scotch or rye. So
> > I'm wondering what cognac would be like. All I know about it is that
> > it seems to be a classy drink. My question, and forgive me for asking
> > such a stupid one, is how do you drink it? I mean, temperature,
> > serving size, etc. I've seen people in movies and on TV warming
> > something up over a flame. Cognac or brandy? I did a little research
> > and see the alcohol content is about 40% or 80 proof. But I know
> > little else. Also brands? I'd appreciate any help in delving into this
> > possible pleasure late in life. Thanks.
> >
> >
>
> If you enjoy cherry flavored brandy, cognac is not for you. A classy drink
> is any drink a person with class chooses to drink.
> Regards,
> Hank


Oh get a grip, Hank. If a person started out drinking Coors beer would you
discourage them if they showed an interest in fine wine? People mature,
tastes change, palettes seek new and different things. Encourage them,
don't patronize them.

Paul

"Paul M. Cook" > wrote in
news:RIFdi.1339$bn6.725@trnddc03:

>
> "Henry St.Pierre" > wrote in message
> 7.142...
>> wrote in
>> :
>>
>> > I've got in in my head to try cognac for the first time. I'm not
>> > much of a drinker anymore. That part of my life came and went. I
>> > pretty much only drink red wine now, and enjoy cherry flavored
>> > brandy. I never developed a taste for the dark liquors, like scotch
>> > or rye. So I'm wondering what cognac would be like. All I know
>> > about it is that it seems to be a classy drink. My question, and
>> > forgive me for asking such a stupid one, is how do you drink it? I
>> > mean, temperature, serving size, etc. I've seen people in movies
>> > and on TV warming something up over a flame. Cognac or brandy? I
>> > did a little research and see the alcohol content is about 40% or
>> > 80 proof. But I know little else. Also brands? I'd appreciate any
>> > help in delving into this possible pleasure late in life. Thanks.
>> >
>> >
>>
>> If you enjoy cherry flavored brandy, cognac is not for you. A classy
>> drink is any drink a person with class chooses to drink.
>> Regards,
>> Hank
>
>
> Oh get a grip, Hank. If a person started out drinking Coors beer
> would you discourage them if they showed an interest in fine wine?
> People mature, tastes change, palettes seek new and different things.
> Encourage them, don't patronize them.
>
> Paul
>
>
>

I don't think the OP is just "starting out". There is a vast difference
between beer and wine. The difference between cherry flavored and cognac
is not so great (both are brandies). Fine wine is in the taste buds of
the drinker. There is nothing wrong or 'classless' about drinking Coors
beer. There is nothing wrong or 'classless' about drinking cherry
flavored brandy. There is nothing about cognac that makes it a 'classy'
drink.The OP indicated he enjoyed cherry flavored brandy and didn't care
for the "dark liquors". Cherry flavored brandy is a very sweet cloying
drink. Not that cocnac tastes like rye or scotch, but is more like them
than cherry flavored brandy. I was only suggesting he save his money. So
I guess I should encourage him. So here goes; pick up a bottle of XO and
enjoy its heady aroma after warming the snifter between your hands for an
hour or so. You must also try armanacs and Napoleons also (only vsops of
course).
By the way, Paul. What do you have against Coors beer drinkers? Palettes
change as do palates.
Regards,
Hank