Cognac: Hennessy vs Courvoisier

[JEDI]

which is better at the bottom of the line VS variety? (Courvoisier is slightly cheaper)

and Whats the diff between all the suffixes?
vs, vsop, xo, etc?

 

[Markbnj]

Very Special, Very Special Old, etc. I don't know what they all mean. I don't think there's a lot of difference between those two brands at the VS end of the market.

 

[spacelord]

This will answer your suffix questions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognac#Grades

In a nutshell..
VSOP will be smoother than VS.
XO will be smoother than VSOP.

For sipping you want at least a VSOP. I don't mix any cognac.

One of my favorites is Landy VSOP. Hardy VSOP is pretty good too.
I think for the money they are better than Hennessy and Corvoisier.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Armagnac! Accept no substitute.


Sorry, my inner booze snob coming out.

 

[acheron]

I like Remy Martin for cognac.

MTB: Recommend me some armagnac, I will add it to the booze wishlist.

 

[BladeVenom]

If it's just for cooking VS, but if it's for drinking, get the VSOP. I like Meukow.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I like Remy Martin for cognac.

MTB: Recommend me some armagnac, I will add it to the booze wishlist.

Delord 25 Yr Old Bas Armagnac
It's in the $60 to $75 range. Good stuff!

 

[T2urtle]

I normally drink hennessy vs. $28ish.

Once in a while I pick up vsop henn. About 50ish.

I like the taste over courvoisier and Remy. I am looking for a cheaper option for when we have parties.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I normally drink hennessy vs. $28ish.

Once in a while I pick up vsop henn. About 50ish.

I like the taste over courvoisier and Remy. I am looking for a cheaper option for when we have parties.

If you're drinking it mixed (shudder), stick with Christian Brothers.

 

[T2urtle]

If you're drinking it mixed (shudder), stick with Christian Brothers.

VS most likely gets mixed. Almost never mix VSOP.

Is Christian brothers something I can easily get my hands on? I get my henn at Sam's and my VSOP at a local store.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

VS most likely gets mixed. Almost never mix VSOP.

Is Christian brothers something I can easily get my hands on? I get my henn at Sam's and my VSOP at a local store.

You can find it in most grocery stores for about $15. Actually, my go to for cheap brandy is El Presidente.

 

[blankslate]

Neither. Remy Martin

 

[shortylickens]

I dont even drink cognac and I know both of those are shit.

 

[Tiamat]

I don't really enjoy any of the VS level for sipping. I use Hennessy VS for my cooking brandy. Remy VSOP is the lowest I would drink, but I mainly use that as cooking brandy as well. When cooking, they infuse quite a nice aroma to anything that stews for a while.

Generally, the lowest level I find acceptable to drink is the XO level. Below the XO level, I find the flavors to be a bit too bright and disjointed. Also, not as smooth and do not pair as well with desserts. I prefer Courvoisier XO to Hennessy XO and Remy XO, I like its aroma better and the flavor is nicer to me, seems smoother as well. Pretty awesome that Courvoisier XO is the least expensive of the main three as well ($90).

For mixing, Hennessy VS should be fine. I think it is 18$ for a 750mL.

Currently saving up for a Louis XIII Remy. Unfortunately, the price has doubled in the last 5 years. I tried some on my birthday a month ago and it was an amazing experience. It isn't for everybody, but once you work your palette up through the various levels and learn to nose and taste them, they are quite wonderful digestifs. I haven't had the chance to try courvoisier l'esprit or Richard Hennessy yet, but I intend to.

 

[acheron]

Delord 25 Yr Old Bas Armagnac
It's in the $60 to $75 range. Good stuff!

Awesome. I will keep a lookout for it.

 

[waggy]

i had a glass of cognac last time i went out. I love it. it was the first time i had it.

have no clue what i drank though. a buddy got me a glass.

 

[God Mode]

All of them are vile. My choice is apple juice on the rocks.