Older cognacs

[Rahsaan]

Speaking of cognac, I just finished a bottle of Navarre Vieille Réserve Cognac, a blend of spirits 40-50 years old. I don't have a lot of experience with cognac of this age, but after a rocky start in the early days, by the end of the bottle this was delicious deep precise and fine stuff. Something to buy again.

But why not compare.

I've very much liked younger cognacs from Dudognon and Guillon Painturaud and was considering plumping for the Dudognon Heritage, GP Hors d'Age, or the GP Renaissance (although would need a lot of convincing to put down money for that last one).

Anyone here have any views on these older specimens?

 

[VLM]

originally posted by Rahsaan:
Older cognacsSpeaking of cognac, I just finished a bottle of Navarre Vieille Réserve Cognac, a blend of spirits 40-50 years old. I don't have a lot of experience with cognac of this age, but after a rocky start in the early days, by the end of the bottle this was delicious deep precise and fine stuff. Something to buy again.

But why not compare.

I've very much liked younger cognacs from Dudognon and Guillon Painturaud and was considering plumping for the Dudognon Heritage, GP Hors d'Age, or the GP Renaissance (although would need a lot of convincing to put down money for that last one).

Anyone here have any views on these older specimens?

That Navarre is excellent, IMO. For me, it showed well right off the bat. My current favorite is the Guillon-Painturaud Hors d'Age which I prefer compared to the Renaissance and doubly so given the price difference. I like the Dudognon and it is good value but not at the same level for me but it also shows sort of differently. Another I quite like is Jean-Luc Pasquet Rare.

Didn't know you were into digestif spirits. We had a special order in for the Guillon-Painturaud VSOP (fantastic value, BTW) and Hors d'Age which are on the NC ABC list but hadn't heard before we had to shut the restaurant down. We had Camut 6, 12 and 18 year Calvados for a while but it seems like I was the only one drinking them.

I've been into Calvados for a while but I spent the last couple of years dipping my toes into Armagnac and Cognac. When this thing ends, you'll have to come over for dinner and sample some afterwards.

BTW, I got some excellent flounder from Local at the CH market yesterday. The set up was great and easy.

 

[Rahsaan]

Thanks for that. You're blowing my mind by suggesting that I might be able to get Guillon-Painturaud of any level from NC ABC! On the website for warehouse stock status there are no Cognacs of any interest to me.

For Cognac, I now only have Dudognon Vieille Reserve and Fougerat Cedre Blanc in the house. I was thinking that should hold me until later in the summer when I could get to a big city out of state (where I usually make my spirits purchases), but all the better if I don't have to wait that long. Will give them a call.

For Calvados, am really enjoying a bottle of Christian Drouin XO in the house at the moment. And noticed that ABC carries a lower level bottling from them so had considered asking about other possible options.

Yes, cannot complain about food availability. It would be nice to have more social gatherings, but the farmers market, Tom Robinson seafood, etc, have us eating better than ever, as usual.

 

[VLM]

originally posted by Rahsaan:
Thanks for that. You're blowing my mind by suggesting that I might be able to get Guillon-Painturaud of any level from NC ABC! On the website for warehouse stock status there are no Cognacs of any interest to me.

For Cognac, I now only have Dudognon Vieille Reserve and Fougerat Cedre Blanc in the house. I was thinking that should hold me until later in the summer when I could get to a big city out of state (where I usually make my spirits purchases), but all the better if I don't have to wait that long. Will give them a call.

For Calvados, am really enjoying a bottle of Christian Drouin XO in the house at the moment. And noticed that ABC carries a lower level bottling from them so had considered asking about other possible options.

Yes, cannot complain about food availability. It would be nice to have more social gatherings, but the farmers market, Tom Robinson seafood, etc, have us eating better than ever, as usual.

I've had good luck with Astor for grabbing what I'm looking for. I generally wait for one of the 15-20% sales and then load up with at least a year's worth.