297263 Thu May 27 21:11:32 -0700 2004 10 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1639757 As the subject line indicates I am looking to buy a better than average bottle of brandy as a gift for a family friend that has helped out in a time of need. Any suggestions would be welcome. Price isn't an object within reason. Thanks Chowhounds. Jim Thu May 27 21:11:32 -0700 2004 0 Jim 1 1639758 Try this link... it might help you out. But I personally know nothing about brandy....sorry! You can click on it below, but this is it: http://www.beerliquors.com/liquors/brandy.htm Link: http://www.beerliquors.com/liquors/brandy.htm Thu May 27 21:16:48 -0700 2004 1639757 0 LilSuzyQ 2 1639770 if you would like a great Brandy and an unusual gift, try buying one of the wonderful Spanish brandies Jaimie I Grand Duque D'alba Carlos I They are dark rich spirits and quite delicious I am not sure where they are available in the US as a whole, but I did see a good range in the Beacon Wine Store on the UWS last week Thu May 27 23:20:56 -0700 2004 1639758 0 Simon Majumdar 1 1639774 I'm guessing that you are choosing to give brandy because you know your deserving friend likes it? Maybe the spouse of your friend knows the brand preferred? It may sound uninspiring if you wanted to surprise your friend, but if there is a favorite brand for some time, that may be the way to go. Also, would your friend like a cognac? Cognac is a fine brandy. All Cognac is brandy. Not all brandy is Cognac, however. The varieties of cognac by Remy Martin is very good in that regard. Fri May 28 00:23:04 -0700 2004 1639757 0 kc girl 1 1639780 I would suggest any of the finely crafted brandies made by California distiller Germain-Robin. There should be something available in your price range. These go down like a dream. Link: http://www.caddellwilliams.com/germainrobin_main.html Fri May 28 08:14:59 -0700 2004 1639757 0 Heidi Claire 1 1639789 I agree with the suggestion to either (1) look to a cognac or (2) go with the Germain-Robin. If cognac, and you can afford it, what you want is at least an XO. Any of the recognized brands will be wonderful, my own favorite XO is Hennessy but Remy is a very close second. But my first recommendation, if you can find it and want to spend something on towards $150, is Delamain Vesper, which I think is the equivalent of liquid gold in a bottle. Fri May 28 09:41:37 -0700 2004 1639757 0 FlyFish 2 1639799 Re: Cognac Another excellent cognac is Pierre Ferrand. Their technique for diluting the barrel strength spirits is to use water that has been soaking in previously used barrels, rather than straight water. It makes a noticable difference, their cognacs have a markedly rich bouquet and flavor. The Amber is the youngest, and cheapest. It's a tremendous value in the $40.00 price range. The Reserve is really something special, and not significantly more money- probably in the $70.00 price range. Fri May 28 10:30:30 -0700 2004 1639789 0 Tongo Rad 3 1639801 Never tried it, but I will now - thanks for the tip! Fri May 28 10:37:27 -0700 2004 1639799 0 FlyFIsh 3 1639808 I second this recommendation. Any of the Pierre Farrand bottles are seriously good and very good value. Fri May 28 11:03:39 -0700 2004 1639799 0 Kass 1 1639790 I agree with the suggestion to either (1) look to a cognac or (2) go with the Germain-Robin. If cognac, and you can afford it, what you want is at least an XO. Any of the recognized brands will be wonderful, my own favorite XO is Hennessy but Remy is a very close second. But my first recommendation, if you can find it and want to spend something on towards $150, is Delamain Vesper, which I think is the equivalent of liquid gold in a bottle. Fri May 28 09:41:54 -0700 2004 1639757 0 FlyFish 1 1639839 If you want some special brandy, skip the Congac, and go with Armagnac. It is far more refined, and rarely does the best congac even come close to the best Armagnac. Unlike any other brandy, Armagnac celebrates its vintage. Some of the good ones are Chateau Baron de Sigognac, Cerbois, and Chateau de Laubade. Fri May 28 15:42:17 -0700 2004 1639757 0 Sthitch