Best cognac, whiskey, or other digestif for about $50?

[Procrastibaker]

My husband and I have a $50 cap on Christmas this year (grad students with a new baby). I've decided to get him a bottle of something decent for sipping. Any good values out there? He likes cognac, whiskey/bourbon, calvados, not so much on the scotch. And I'm sure he'd be up for any less known beverages in this genre. I'm pretty much a spirits novice, though my dad has been single handedly supporting the Kentucky economy for years...If it's not Jack black I'm pretty much at sea...

[mpalmer6c]

In that range, I go for Kelt VSOP Cognac ($49), as good for my taste as most Cognacs at twice the price.

For some other opinions, check out this free site:

http://www.tastings.com/search_spirit...

[zin1953]

Well,again -- there is no "best." The best ___________ is the one you like the most, regardless of its cost, regardless of what others may think.

Personally, Id seek out Maison Surrenne Cognac, Domaine Dupont Calvados, Germain-Robin Alambic Brandy . . . .

[frankiii]

I own a bar and love bourbon. I don't drink too much as it catches up with me pretty fast, but I think Knob Creek is the best value for the money, followed by George Dickel.

[vickib]

I've been enjoying Woodford Reserve lately. It's about $35 in my area (SoCal). Actually, I've also been liking good tequila on the rocks, also. You can get Cazadores Anejo for about the same price. Good for sipping, and a little unexpected.

[JMF]

Cognacs and whiskeys aren't digestifs. Digestifs are herb based libations to settle the stomach after a meal.

[Procrastibaker]

The vast majority of diners and restaurants clearly take a far more liberal definition of the term. In fact, I've never seen the digestif limited to "herb based libations." What would these include? Gin? Herb-infused aquavits (certainly not de rigueur offerings at U.S. restaurants)?

[JMF]

I retract my statement. I must have been having a brain dead moment. It happens every now and then.

[Procrastibaker]

No problem at all-- I didn't mean to sound prickly. Maybe we should both be enjoying more relaxing after dinner beverages! ;)

[AlaskaChick]

In whiskey - I like Crown Reserve or Knob Creek but I've been getting Pendletons from Oregon because its good and different as well.

[DavidT]

Check out the "What Bourbon Are You Drinking" thread that has been very active on this board.

www.chowhound.com/topics/450615

This past Wednesday, the Dining & Wine section of the NY Times ran an article about tasting a variety of premium bourbons.

www.nytimes.com