Cognac

[ggiese]

Finally tried some cognac. Bought a small bottle of Courvoisier VSOP. Ok so I drank it neat at room temp. It tasted pretty much like a bourbon whiskey ish liquor. Not saying I didnt like it but it wasnt great for me. I have heard that room temp isnt warm enough to bring out the real flavor and it should be warmed more with heat from your hand ? Not sure if thats true or if I would enjoy more it another way?

I hear what you say about cognac - and it does have a whiskey-ish taste to it - but I suggest to you the reason why cognac is so popular is because it is unusually complex.

That's the funny thing about drinking straight up spirits (versus making a mixed drink) - you find yourself trying to categorize it in terms of what you already know (e.g. "much like bourbon whiskey ish liquor"). I found this incredible whiskey called "Angels Envy" - one is port finished bourbon, the other is rum finished rye. I would say the appeal to me is its complexity (thinking beyond that it tastes much like whiskey or bourbon).

Cognac - much like single malt whiskey - or a fine wine - really is more about contemplating the experience of drinking the beverage, versus slugging down a shot. What warming it up with your hands does it to better bring out the aromas in the cognac and (hopefully) create a better experience. it doesn't really change the taste, per se, it more changes the experience (taste and smell are two components of that experience, and combine to create the experience). The experience of drinking cognac can also be very affected by the situation (e.g. quiet, relaxing time versus sitting in a crowded bar watching a ball game)

And for me - the more harmonious the complexity of that spirit is (e.g. sensing notes of chocolate and vanilla and leather and citrus, etc.) - the more I enjoy the experience of drinking it. As someone suggested in another thread about smoking cigars - enjoying a glass of cognac for me is like having a great slice of apple pie with a nice cuppa coffee...