653891 Mon Sep 21 11:24:07 -0700 2009 3 36 Spirits 0 5046397 Hello everyone, A couple of the drinks I would like to try out call for cognac, and I would appreciate your recommendations on some good cognac brands for mixing. If possible, I'd like to keep the price in the $20-$30 range. If that is too tight, please feel free to sugest something at a higher price point. Many thanks in advance! Dave Mon Sep 21 11:24:07 -0700 2009 1091686 Dave in the basement 1 5053401 Cognac is an esteemed variety of brandy from a certain region in France. I feel comfortable using a decent VSOP brandy that is not so expensive as an entry-level cognac. I use Raynals VSOP, which costs about $15 in SEA. I am generally skeptical of the need for premium brandy in multi-ingredient drinks. Others may feel differently. Wed Sep 23 15:48:22 -0700 2009 5046397 19098 equinoise 1 5053843 Agreed with equinoise that a "decent" VSOP should be fine for most mixing duties. Key word being "decent". I've recently been working my way through a bottle of Martell--cost me around $30--and I'm quite happy with it. I've tried some other VSOPs that I paid only $10 or so for, and have been disappointed. With Cognac, in my experience, you really do get what you pay for (at least until you get to the crystal decanter level) and the $10 stuff has pretty much been trash. I think something in the $25-35 range is a good bet for mixing quality drinks. Wed Sep 23 18:49:31 -0700 2009 5046397 65478 davis_sq_pro 2 5055585 Thank you both for the replies. I'll take a look at the ol' liquor store and will report back if I strike out. Thanks again! Dave Thu Sep 24 11:57:19 -0700 2009 5053843 1091686 Dave in the basement