Harrison Moore

Yes, actually I have tried both and find them to be superb, at least the ones I tried. Some twenty years ago I had a bottle of both Larressingle XO and Sempe VSOP armagnacs and really enjoyed the fire from both of those, although I thought the Sempe was a little more rounded. I really haven't drunk any armagnac since then. Regarding the Spanish brandies, I have always had a couple of bottles of Cardenal Mendoza and Gran Duque d'Alba since trying them both after dinner one night at Brennan's in Houston. I can't imagine a better style of brandy to go with the fine Creole cuisine of Brennan's, or, for that matter, a fine cigar. Both brandies were delicious after the meal of buffalo tenderloin and turtle soup. I can't wait until Brennan's reopens this year--it burned down the night Hurricane Ike struck Houston in 2008 and its patrons have had a long wait!

Thanks for the Kelt recommendation--it is definitely on my short list, and I'll remember to buy the VSOP over the XO. Has anyone tried the Hardy cognacs? I'm interested to try the Napoleon and possibly the Noces d'Or. Another one I would like to try sometime is the Hine Antique--I've only heard wonderful things about that cognac.

Just last week I finished off a liter bottle of Martell Cordon Bleu, along with my last bottle of Pierre Ferrand Reserve. Of course, I have a back-up bottle of the Cordon Bleu along with Martell XO Supreme, but I want to try something along the same lines but from another house, if possible. Any suggestions?

Yes, I understand that the BTAC is a once a year deal, so that's why I bought a couple of bottles of everything last year; and I plan to do it again this year. Hopefully I can get the Saz 18 and Handy again.

My neighborhood liquor store, Spec's in downtown Houston, has fewer ryes for sale now than they used to have. I was there Saturday and their offerings consisted of: Wild Turkey Rye 101 Rittenhouse Rye 23 Years Old Sazerac Rye 90 Old Overholt Rye 80 (in its new label) Jim Beam Rye 80 (in its new package) Russell's Reserve Rye 90 Gone were the Handy and Sazerac 18 that were offered last summer. I currently have Wild Turkey 101, Jim Beam, Old Overholt, and two unopened bottles of the Handy. Of course, I really prefer the Handy, but of the others my favorite really has to be the Wild Turkey--I've been drinking it off and on for at least 20 years. I want to try the Sazerac 90 next week. But I really want that 100 proof Old Overholt to come out this year!

I agree with thirtyoneknots: Martell Cordon Bleu is a great choice, and my own personal favorite (along with Martell XO Supreme) among the Big Four cognac houses. One can never go wrong with Cordon Bleu. For something a little different but just as delicious in its own way, I recommend Pierre Ferrand Reserve Cognac--a little untraditional in its lack of caramel but one that has a great nose and clean taste.