DrinkerX

For gin, I'll recommend New Amsterdam. It is lighter on the juniper and has a nice set of citrus notes. Reasonably priced, with 1.75L going for around $20. I wouldn't use it for classic martinis, but it works well with tonic. I second the recommendations of Salignac for your Cognac and Paul Masson VSOP for your brandy.

I didn't realize liking something required confession. Hmm. I for one share the love of New World wines, but can also appreciate nuance and subtlety from the Old World. I tend to lean towards reds from the NW, whites, bubbly and sweet wines from the OW. There are exceptions of course, as I agree that Italian food (pasta, cheese, red sauce) tends to go really well with Sangiovese, though I'm not opposed to a good Primitivo.