Leaving for France - Help me on a Cognac Mission (1 Viewer)

[Soulfly3]

Leaving in the AM.

Will be nowhere near the Cognac region, so tours/samplings etc are outta the question.

i have been really into Cognac recently, and want to bring home 2 bottles (all Im allowed to return with)... What brands/years are you into that you would suggest buying over there?

Apparently the price of Cognac isnt remarkably cheaper over there, but the selection definitely is - so hit me with your best shot.

note: Im "whiskey'd out" at the moment, and well past my calvados phase. Cognac only.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I'm far from an expert on cognac, but had a taste of the Tesseron Lot 90 earlier this year and bought a bottle on the spot. Its described as "young", which I think essentially means its a bit harsh, but I love it and would recommend at least trying some. I drink it neat. Orange and oak. If you want something a bit smoother, maybe try one of their higher end vintages.

 

[Soulfly3]

Hmmmm, the reviews are pretty good on this bottle.

90$ here in Canada (but our liquor taxes are outta control... it's probably 60$ in the states)

Ill have to keep an eye out thanks

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Hmmmm, the reviews are pretty good on this bottle.

90$ here in Canada (but our liquor taxes are outta control... it's probably 60$ in the states)

Ill have to keep an eye out thanks

I think I got it for less than 60. I usually buy booze at the duty free shop on the trip home, but don't know if that really saves much.

 

[Soulfly3]

Hmmmm, the reviews are pretty good on this bottle.

90$ here in Canada (but our liquor taxes are outta control... it's probably 60$ in the states)

Ill have to keep an eye out thanks

I think I got it for less than 60. I usually buy booze at the duty free shop on the trip home, but don't know if that really saves much.

for Americans duty free may not save much, for us... a ton.

I may just go that route, though the selection isnt great at the DF shop, usually.

 

[Jules Winnfield]

In my collection are cognacs from Delamain and also from Raymond Ragnaud

I remember having a cognac from Bertrand, a 35 year old Petit Champagne, that was much darker than a typical cognac and perfect with a cigar

 

[johnnycakes]

Fwiw, you CAN bring back more than just the two bottles... you just have to declare it inbound and pay the tax. Usually more of a time-consuming nuisance than any kind of a real expense.

 

[Jules Winnfield]

While there, try and get a taste of Pineau. This is a mixing of cognac eau-de-vie and grape must. It is served chilled and is a nice treat

 

[Soulfly3]

Fwiw, you CAN bring back more than just the two bottles... you just have to declare it inbound and pay the tax. Usually more of a time-consuming nuisance than any kind of a real expense.

Ya, the tax rates on alcohol are absolutely absurd tho, sometimes up to 150% (not a joke) if it's 40% alc, and it will be

Two of us are going tho, so Ill probably grab 4 bottles

While there, try and get a taste of Pineau. This is a mixing of cognac eau-de-vie and grape must. It is served chilled and is a nice treat

Thanks for the heads up... Ill try to find this. Ill probably have better luck in Paris there where our place is in the north west. pretty baron there.. just the sea and farms

 

[johnnycakes]

Fwiw, you CAN bring back more than just the two bottles... you just have to declare it inbound and pay the tax. Usually more of a time-consuming nuisance than any kind of a real expense.

Ya, the tax rates on alcohol are absolutely absurd tho, sometimes up to 150% (not a joke) if it's 40% alc, and it will be

Two of us are going tho, so Ill probably grab 4 bottles

While there, try and get a taste of Pineau. This is a mixing of cognac eau-de-vie and grape must. It is served chilled and is a nice treat

Thanks for the heads up... Ill try to find this. Ill probably have better luck in Paris there where our place is in the north west. pretty baron there.. just the sea and farms

Re: the tariff rates... is that what you heard or what you know? I've brought alcohol into the country before (but not recently) and don't recall the rates being anywhere nearly so onerous.

 

[Soulfly3]

Fwiw, you CAN bring back more than just the two bottles... you just have to declare it inbound and pay the tax. Usually more of a time-consuming nuisance than any kind of a real expense.

Ya, the tax rates on alcohol are absolutely absurd tho, sometimes up to 150% (not a joke) if it's 40% alc, and it will be

Two of us are going tho, so Ill probably grab 4 bottles

While there, try and get a taste of Pineau. This is a mixing of cognac eau-de-vie and grape must. It is served chilled and is a nice treat

Thanks for the heads up... Ill try to find this. Ill probably have better luck in Paris there where our place is in the north west. pretty baron there.. just the sea and farms

Re: the tariff rates... is that what you heard or what you know? I've brought alcohol into the country before (but not recently) and don't recall the rates being anywhere nearly so onerous.

Canada.

And yes, its insanely high, often more than you paid for the bottle

Tabacco tax rates here are about 170% at customs

 

[Quez]

Does anyone know of a mid-range cognac, or if there is such a thing? I'm not a big hard liquor drinker, but like cognac in eggnog better than rum. I feel like its a waste to mix Hennessey. I know with other liquors they say it's a waste of money to use top shelf if your mixing it with something.