cognac vs. scotch

[Huntsman]

Originally Posted by Star

So what is a 'Cognac moment' and what is a 'Scotch moment'?
If you don't know.... No, seriously. I expect they would be different for everyone. I don't for instance, come home from work and, with the notion that "I need a drink," go and reach for Cognac. That's scotch's place. I probably will not reach for Scotch when family I love is over for dinner and we are sitting together after the meal, warm in each other's company. If, though, it's just my father and I, then it will be good Scotch. For company of the fairer sex, neither -- Grand Marnier Centenaire. That's what I love about spirits. Every mood is different and there are enough spirits and cocktails to fit the many facets of our experience -- in fact that is probably why there are so many. Within scotch alone my bar has forty distilleries represented and it matters to me whether I feel like the brine of Oban, the spice of Talisker, the caramel smoothness of Lochnagar, or the symphony of Christmas Cake of Mortlach. Life is nuanced.... ~ H

 

[itsstillmatt]

Originally Posted by Huntsman

Thanks -- My cognac knowledge is somewhat limited (its a funds issue), but I know that I tend to love Armagnacs more. They sing to me. I was not familiar with the Quintessence, but will remember it when I need a star cognac in the bar. Murry Mac does some amazing whiskys. If you ever see the Lagavulin Distillery's Edition, you might enjoy that, secondary aging in PX sherry casks. Works well with its intrinsic Islayness. ~ H
I think Quintessence is, at around $300, better than any of the super luxury priced Cognacs from the major houses. I also like Ferrand a lot, and some of his limited bottlings are spectacular. That said, for half the price of Quintessence, you can get an Armagnac from Lustrac that is, perhaps, even better. That is my opinion, probably because I tend to favor Armagnac over cognac. The Darroze bottlings are more expensive, unfortunately.

 

[ama]

Originally Posted by iammatt

Where are you located? I just picked a bottle up in SF. Yes, it is the Murray McDavid bottling.

I am in Minnesota, not quite as big a market as SF. Its a very nice Laphroaig, you ought to get a few more while they are still available.

 

[RSS]

If I must choose ... cognac.

 

[Cavalier]

Scotch when enjoy a drink before dinner; Cognac after. I don't see how these two can be compared. If I was to decide between the two, scotch no doubt.

 

[Huntsman]

Originally Posted by iammatt

I think Quintessence is, at around $300, better than any of the super luxury priced Cognacs from the major houses. I also like Ferrand a lot, and some of his limited bottlings are spectacular. That said, for half the price of Quintessence, you can get an Armagnac from Lustrac that is, perhaps, even better. That is my opinion, probably because I tend to favor Armagnac over cognac. The Darroze bottlings are more expensive, unfortunately.
I never go near the 'fancy' Baccarat crystal affairs either. I'm sure some of it is good, but clothing does not cognac make. I have a few Ferrands, but those limited bottlings are very dear indeed. I do believe that I prefer Armagnacs, so I will keep an eye out for Darroze, thanks. ~ H

 

[LabelKing]

I like Rob Roys.

 

[rjmaiorano]

Originally Posted by Huntsman

If you don't know....


No, seriously. I expect they would be different for everyone. I don't for instance, come home from work and, with the notion that "I need a drink," go and reach for Cognac. That's scotch's place. I probably will not reach for Scotch when family I love is over for dinner and we are sitting together after the meal, warm in each other's company. If, though, it's just my father and I, then it will be good Scotch. For company of the fairer sex, neither -- Grand Marnier Centenaire.

That's what I love about spirits. Every mood is different and there are enough spirits and cocktails to fit the many facets of our experience -- in fact that is probably why there are so many. Within scotch alone my bar has forty distilleries represented and it matters to me whether I feel like the brine of Oban, the spice of Talisker, the caramel smoothness of Lochnagar, or the symphony of Christmas Cake of Mortlach. Life is nuanced....

~ H

Well said.

... For myself, scotch. Albeit I know very little about cognac. I imagine scotch will forever be my liquor of choice.

 

[Connemara]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

I like Rob Roys.
I think Manhattans are quite a bit better.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by Connemara

I think Manhattans are quite a bit better.

I don't like the bitters.

 

[fwiffo]

Manhattans are nice if you're in the mood.

Cognac is for the those celebratory moments after dinner. A lot times you're bullying through straight to the entree or skipping dinner and want to enjoy something soothing. Scotch fills that role.

 

[RSS]

Originally Posted by Cavalier

Scotch when enjoy a drink before dinner; Cognac after. I don't see how these two can be compared. If I was to decide between the two, scotch no doubt.
The single malt Scotch is often reserved for after dinner. Blends ...well, whenever.

 

[Huntsman]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

I don't like the bitters.
I'm sorry to hear that.

 

[LabelKing]

Originally Posted by Huntsman

I'm sorry to hear that.
I do enjoy Pink Gins though.

 

[Oyaji]

Cognac is better.