Drink Responsibly (ie 0-2 drinks/day). Prices are formatted 750ML/1.75L (otherwise known as a Fifth vs a Handle).
Check out a great list of cocktail recipes, most recommended are official IBA (International Bartenders Association) recipes.
Best Value Brandy/Cognac
St. Remy VSOP $22/1.75 (most popular table Brandy in France)
Raynal (also French)
Others (cheap American brandies): Korbel (full body), Paul Masson VSOP $14/750 (medium body)
DO NOT GET: E&J Gallo (american, too sweet), Christian Brothers (american, light bodied)
Fancy Brandy/Cognac
Pierre Ferrand Ambre $38/750 (fruity)
Daniel Bouju Royal $80 (don’t get the XO Emperor)
Maison Surrenne
Cardenal Mendoza Gran Solera $46/750 (Spanish) – my current favorite, dessert style
DO NOT GET: “popular cognacs” like Hennesy and Courvoisier and Martell and Remy Martin as they’re overpriced, Delord Bas Napoleon $32/750 (Armagnac), Germain Robin (especially XO)
