Brandy & Cognac Night for "Sippers"

Our best "Sippers" turnout thus far was Thursday night.  We hosted 13 for this night of Brandy and Cognac education and tasting.

We sampled:
Korbel VS Brandy (California)--umm, well.....
St. Remy VSOP Brandy (France)--ooh!  This has FLAVOR!
Meukow Cognac--OMG, this has flavor AND body!!
Meukow Vanilla Cognac liqueur--mmmm, very vanilla, maybe even too much so...
Hennessey Cognac--heat, heat, smooth heat but not as much taste
Salignac--Nope, will use in cooking
Calvados (apple Brandy)--too harsh by itself, but will work well in mixed drinks
Gran Gala (orange Cognac liqueur like Grand Marnier, only half the price)--great for topping off margaritas or for cooking

The hands-down favorite was the Meukow Cognac.  It had it all...fruit, heat, smoothness and texture.  This is what you want to sip in front of a roaring fire.  In my book, a close second would be the St. Remy Brandy.

One thing we're learning is that there is SUCH a difference in "similar" liquors.  If we ordered a generic "Cognac" in a bar, we might get something we really don't like at all.  If we order by name, we'll actually know what to expect.

We finished the night with Sidecars and Brandy Alexanders--two classic Brandy drinks.

Next month:  creams and liqueurs.  Yum, YUM!!!!