Tue 31 Oct 2006
I ran across a board topic recently asking what everyone’s favorite cigar drink was. I was pretty surprised that though many mentioned port or whisky, no one actually mentioned cognac. Now if you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you will have noticed how much I love single malt Scotch whisky. I equally appreciate fine port from my neighboring country to the west as well as the fortified Spanish sherry. All that said, I still have to admit that for me cognac holds a very special place, and so much so that I’m very good at picking out my favorites in blind tastes.
Not too long ago, Pierre Ferrand, a world renowned producer of fine “Grande Champagne” cognacs, introduced a special edition, particularly conceived to complement a superior cigar. Ferrand, an avid cigar aficionado himself said of his “Réserve des Dieux”, that he wanted a cognac that was in balance with a structured cigar. He wanted to match the structure and complexity of Grande Champagne cognac with that of today’s best smokes.
Well, I’ve got to tell you that they succeeded. This exquisite libation has a licorice and cedar nose that is also reminiscent of Assam tea. The palate is round with notes of vanilla, leather, spices and yes, tobacco. Woody notes laced with leather appropriately dominate the finish.
I can’t say enough good things about this 25 year old “Réserve des Dieux”, and for $70 dollars a bottle it’s a cigar companion that is well within reach. Highly recommended.
October 31st, 2006 at 9:29 am
$70 is a very reasonable price for quality cognac, thanks for the heads up, EZ. I will investigate this directly…
October 31st, 2006 at 10:30 am
I just discovered a more affordable, luxury cognac, which coincidentally is from the same house as Pierre Ferrand, Cognac Ferrand, called Landy Cognac. The range includes VS, VSOP and a smooth, beautifully aged XO.
Landy is blowing up the cognac world, surpassing all other cognacs, including the coveted Pierre Ferrand, in sales. They are also launching the most amazing cocktails, that are giving a new face to the traditional persona of cognac. Two hot Manhattan nightclubs, HOME and Guesthouse, have just launched a few of the innovative Landy libations including the French O****, the Landy Havanero and the Little Devil. The clubs are also offering Landy XO in their exclusive VIP bottle service.
Landy is truly the new generation of cognac, so if you enjoy Pierre Ferrand, you should give Landy a try - you will not be disappointed!
October 31st, 2006 at 11:38 am
I’m generally wary of “new-generation-of” luxury loquors that seem like they are mass marketed to impressionable young adults at nightclubs; a demographic which I tend to think of as the “hip hop” generation.
That said, I would deffinitely check out the Landy, I mean, I always enjoy a good Crown and Coke. I’ll surely write a review when I get the chance to try it.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:36 pm
As a relative newcomer to the world of cognac I appreciate the chance to try a new one, especially one that is intended to marry with a cigar. I’ll have to add this one to my list. As usual E.Z., you did a great job with this write-up, keep them coming.
November 3rd, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Landy is great stuff for the price. I’ve only had the cheapest VS but it is a great bargain. I’ve made some nice black raspberry liquor with it and its also great for cooking. The VS is a decent drink too but nothing special; the more expensive stuff would probably be a better choice.
March 24th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I bought the reserve des dieux and had a glass with a great cigar before reading this post and you couldnt be more right. It was an amazing pair. good job