Most value in Brandy / Cognac $20 range

[dpan]

What's are your opinions on cognacs or brandies in the $20 range. I'm experimenting because I don't really want to spend upwards of $40 for VSOP cognac on a regular basis. Anyway, I bought a bottle of Ansac VS cognac and am not really impressed. It's at least drinkable. Should I have bought an E&J in that price range (VSOP or even XO)? Any other suggestions?

[comestible]

I like the E&J XO brandy now and then. It's pretty darn smooth for something so inexpensive.

Have a look at some VSOP Armagnacs. They will run you $25 - 30 at the low end. But they should be drinkable being VSOP, I'd think. VS brandies have been headache material, in my experience.

I used to be a big Armagnac fan but have favored scotches lately.

[skywalkr2]

Its seem you can get E&J XO Brandy anywhere for < $15. I think for the price it is very good.

[kenito799]

I don't know where you are, but I was happy to have this question answered for me since I was manily looking for brandy to use in mixed drinks (I LOVE sidecars). At Warehouse Liquor in NYC, Cognac Claude Chatelier VSOP can be had for $19, and it is good enough to sip alone.
Imported by W.J. Deutsch & Sons, Harrison, NY
http://www.claudechateliercognac.com/