What COGNAC/ARMAGNAC Are You Drinking?

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#101 Post by **Mich@el Ch@ng** » March 8th, 2019, 2:43 pm

Pulled the trigger on Mars after reading some reviews. 38 y/o cask strength Armagnac for 150 seems unbelievable.

#102 Post by **Jay $$ Winton** » March 9th, 2019, 8:54 am

William Segui wrote: ↑July 5th, 2017, 11:53 am
William Segui wrote:
Chris Freemott wrote:Anyone try the Kirkland XO? Should I be ashamed to say I really like it. And it's a steal at $49.00
damnit, now I must buy one next time I'm at Costco.

It isn't life changing, but it is easy drinking and a tremendous value. These are perfect for scratching the casual cognac itch, I'm going to grab a few more.

didn't drink quite at XO level-a bit rough, IMO.

March 9th, 2019, 9:49 am

Can someone tell me which might be the best, at the price? Total Wine is giving me 10% off, and while I have a lot of experience with cognac (my favorite is Delamain Vespers perhaps even over their Tres Venerables), little with armagnac

Chateau de Laubade
1972 - $200
1975 -$170
1978 - $180
1979 - $170
1984 - $130
1988 - $120
1989 - $115
1994 - $100
1998 - $85
1999- $80
XO - $70

Thanks in advance!

Peter Petersen · #104 Post by **Peter Petersen** » March 9th, 2019, 2:22 pm

1978 and the XO both come highly recommend by Jason Wilson.

#105 Post by **Mich@el Ch@ng** » March 9th, 2019, 2:38 pm

Never tried that producer. I've been told those in CA should really try to get a bottle of Mars.

March 9th, 2019, 3:23 pm

Peter Petersen wrote: ↑March 9th, 2019, 2:22 pm 1978 and the XO both come highly recommend by Jason Wilson.

Thanks! The vinous tasting notes for the 78 mention vanilla and oak. Anyone try it? Normally not what I look for in spirits, but willing to give it a try. In The meanwhile the XO seems like a safe try.

Peter Petersen · #107 Post by **Peter Petersen** » March 9th, 2019, 8:05 pm

Barry, Yes, I’m not sure how to read that note, maybe perfect for Boubon lovers

My fav house is Dartigalongue and their stuff is not oaky. Their XO is only $45 at K&L and their 1988 which I still have a pristine bottle of was $120. Both well worth the price if you want something more old school.

#108 Post by **Mich@el Ch@ng** » March 20th, 2019, 8:10 am

Had the Darroze 40 grand assemblages which was fantastic. Ordered a bottle immediately.

Also tried the 1910 Labaude which was very interesting; I think the nose was out of this world and it was very complex but def not for everyday.

#109 Post by **Mich@el Ch@ng** » March 26th, 2019, 6:17 pm

Comandon is finishing cognac in sherry butts... my first impression is that this is total BS, but who knows.

#110 Post by **Mich@el Ch@ng** » March 31st, 2019, 5:34 pm

Btw I just happened upon the serious brandy fb group which seems pretty legit.

#111 Post by **Mich@el Ch@ng** » April 6th, 2019, 5:58 pm

Had the Tariquet VS Classique tonight which was phenomenal for the price.

Young, exuberant, vinous, but silky smooth and too easy to drink.

#112 Post by **Jay Miller** » April 11th, 2019, 11:21 am

Joshua Kates wrote: ↑February 8th, 2019, 1:59 pm
Jay Miller wrote: ↑February 8th, 2019, 12:29 pm
Joshua Kates wrote: ↑February 5th, 2019, 1:29 pm Picked up an '86 Laberdolive Bas-Armagnac when in NYC December. Not cheap, but the extreme age intersects with the extreme rusticity in a wonderful way.
I love the vintage Laberdolives.
Yes, Jay,

Truly special. Have you tried other vintages? '86 is the only one I've had and I am curious about how much difference the vintage at this late date may make.

Sorry Josh, I never noticed your question until today. I haven't had the 1986 but have loved the 1982, the 1979 and the 1923.

Paul H Galli · #113 Post by **Paul H Galli** » April 11th, 2019, 11:35 pm

Mich@el Ch@ng wrote: ↑March 31st, 2019, 5:34 pm Btw I just happened upon the serious brandy fb group which seems pretty legit.

I looked but couldn't find it.
Can you please provide a link?

TTT

#114 Post by **Mich@el Ch@ng** » April 12th, 2019, 4:08 am

I don’t use the website so no, but just search fb for “serious brandy”. You’ll need to be approved to see it.

February 5th, 2020, 6:59 am

Astor will have 15% off French spirits in 2 weeks apparently

#116 Post by **Jay Miller** » April 4th, 2020, 3:20 pm

A glass of 1972 Francois Darroze Domaine de Dupont is a rich spice box on the nose. The palate veers a bit between showing heat and being a strong middleweight with very attractive depth and complexity.

From a bottle that's been open 15+ years.

#117 Post by **William Segui** » April 8th, 2020, 2:55 pm

Mich@el Ch@ng wrote: ↑March 31st, 2019, 5:34 pm Btw I just happened upon the serious brandy fb group which seems pretty legit.

I'm in that group as well. Do not let that detract from its legitimacy - it is 100%. Some pretty cool stuff/information rolls through there.

#118 Post by **Mich@el Ch@ng** » April 8th, 2020, 3:42 pm

William Segui wrote: ↑April 8th, 2020, 2:55 pm
Mich@el Ch@ng wrote: ↑March 31st, 2019, 5:34 pm Btw I just happened upon the serious brandy fb group which seems pretty legit.
I'm in that group as well. Do not let that detract from its legitimacy - it is 100%. Some pretty cool stuff/information rolls through there.

Yeah it’s good!

#119 Post by **Mich@el Ch@ng** » April 18th, 2020, 6:17 am

https://winetimeevents.com/events/

Cool Armagnac travel logs

Faryan Amir-Ghassem¡ · May 19th, 2020, 7:51 am

Would like to reinvigorate this thread and solicit advice for a cognac novice.

I have experience with the big houes / tesserons but would love to solicit thoughts on good entry ($50-100) armagnac to get one's feet wet.

It seems to be the only value game in spirits town!

#121 Post by **AstridKG** » May 19th, 2020, 5:30 pm

Faryan Amir-Ghassem¡ wrote: ↑May 19th, 2020, 7:51 am Would like to reinvigorate this thread and solicit advice for a cognac novice.

I have experience with the big houes / tesserons but would love to solicit thoughts on good entry ($50-100) armagnac to get one's feet wet.

It seems to be the only value game in spirits town!

Have you tried the Delord Armagnac 25 year? It should be around $70.

#122 Post by **Mich@el Ch@ng** » May 19th, 2020, 7:42 pm

Faryan Amir-Ghassem¡ wrote: ↑May 19th, 2020, 7:51 am Would like to reinvigorate this thread and solicit advice for a cognac novice.

I have experience with the big houes / tesserons but would love to solicit thoughts on good entry ($50-100) armagnac to get one's feet wet.

It seems to be the only value game in spirits town!

Join the serious brandy Facebook group.

More 50-80 range
L’encantada XO, either v1 or v2
Dartigalongue XO

If you want to splurge on something spectacular...

https://www.finedrams.com/lencantada-do ... agnac.html

K&L may still have some decent deals on Armagnac as well.

Faryan Amir-Ghassem¡ · May 20th, 2020, 1:54 pm

Great, thank you both!

Michael - Awesome, have heard Dartigalongue is a good jump off. The Domaine le Frêche isn't as attractively priced stateside else 80 euro is grand

Astrid - I'll look to pickup the Delord 25. It's available widely in NY.

Cheers

#124 Post by **Mich@el Ch@ng** » May 20th, 2020, 2:14 pm

KL has a bunch of nice armagnac in stock including a bunch of darroze and la encantada bottlings right now.

December 24th, 2020, 8:14 pm

Normandin Mercier Christmas cognac is superb.

Jeff G. in OC · January 4th, 2021, 10:59 am

AstridKG wrote: ↑May 19th, 2020, 5:30 pm
Have you tried the Delord Armagnac 25 year? It should be around $70.

I second this recommendation. The Delord is very good.

I did not realize at first that the poster is my better half so we literally tasted the same bottles. I didn't see the screen name until I read it a second time and the lightbulb went off. (I only recently joined the site.)

BTW, I've had the Labaude VSOP and found that to be nice, as well. Better than the other VSOPs that I've had. A great choice for the regular occasion budget.

NED VALOIS · #127 Post by **NED VALOIS** » January 4th, 2021, 12:17 pm

Anyone tried the BHAKTA 1868-1970 blend Armagnac yet ?

January 4th, 2021, 12:18 pm

Not getting close to that abomination.

NED VALOIS · #129 Post by **NED VALOIS** » January 4th, 2021, 12:42 pm

Here is an opinion;
https://www.drinkhacker.com/2020/09/09/ ... -barrel-3/

January 4th, 2021, 1:58 pm

Bought a bottle of Decourtet XO cognac for $50-excelllent value, imo.

#131 Post by **Jay Miller** » January 9th, 2021, 5:24 am

NED VALOIS wrote: ↑January 4th, 2021, 12:42 pm Here is an opinion;
https://www.drinkhacker.com/2020/09/09/ ... -barrel-3/

Wow, that sounds horrible.

NED VALOIS · #132 Post by **NED VALOIS** » January 9th, 2021, 2:55 pm

Another"Expert";
https://whiskeyconsensus.com/bhakta-50- ... -3-review/

January 9th, 2021, 4:19 pm

I wouldn’t use stuff from that whistlepig guy to clean my toilet.

#134 Post by **Jay Miller** » January 13th, 2021, 10:20 am

Mich@el Ch@ng wrote: ↑January 9th, 2021, 4:19 pm I wouldn’t use stuff from that whistlepig guy to clean my toilet.

Really? Seems like a perfect use to me.

January 14th, 2021, 6:53 am

Astor 15% off brandy today

#136 Post by **Chris E** » January 14th, 2021, 7:13 am

Anything stand out at Astor? Thanks!

January 14th, 2021, 9:14 am

Just discovered this thread. I don't drink much cognac, but I do have a bottle of Hardy VSOP that I finally opened on 12/31, just before Dryuary. Great nose, rich and full bodied on the palate, and a smooth finish. I think I paid about $50.

January 14th, 2021, 10:21 am

L’encantada XO 2.0 is the best value for Armagnac in their sale and would be a very good intro for people just getting into it.

I got a bottle of the PM spirits tattoo just to try; there’s been mixed reviews.

For cognac, dudugnon heritage and Navarre are the standouts.

January 14th, 2021, 10:28 am

Chris E wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 7:13 am Anything stand out at Astor? Thanks!

Above sry forgot to quote your post

#140 Post by **Chris E** » January 14th, 2021, 4:21 pm

Mich@el Ch@ng wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 10:28 am
Chris E wrote: ↑January 14th, 2021, 7:13 am Anything stand out at Astor? Thanks!
Above sry forgot to quote your post

Great thanks was looking at that L’encantada.