Brandy?

Without any brandy histrionics or getting your knickers in a bind, what would you recommend as a brandy below $15-20? Some brands I've seen are E&J, Paul Masson, Christian Brothers, etc. I've enjoyed the French brandy (Pierre Duchene) from Trader Joe's and had some with a friend last night.

I assume you want brandy for cooking (flambee and whatnot)?

-Paul W.

Okay. Plus I wouldn't mind having a drink.

Consider Metaxa or Fundador.

We like Korbel XS (extra smooth) Brandy.

Fundador has bite is reasonably priced. Metaxa on the expensive side for what it is.

[Jenise]

Without any brandy histrionics or getting your knickers in a bind, what would you recommend as a brandy below $15-20? Some brands I've seen are E&J, Paul Masson, Christian Brothers, etc. I've enjoyed the French brandy (I can never remember the name) from Trader Joe's and had some with a friend last night.

I bought a French brandy at a TJ's in Los Angeles a few months ago that blew me away for value. They had two Frenchies priced at $10 and I don't remember the name of the one we bought and were so impressed with, but it was the best packaging of the two--frosted bottle, label with lots of gold on it. The other wasn't nearly as rich-looking.

See my edited first post.

We buy Korbel and Gallo by the 1.75-L bottle, but only for Sidecars and Brandy Manhattans.

[Jenise]

We buy Korbel and Gallo by the 1.75-L bottle, but only for Sidecars and Brandy Manhattans.

Your liquor cabinet must be the size of a small garage.

Your liquor cabinet must be the size of a small garage.

It does involve floor-to-ceiling shelves....

We buy Korbel and Gallo by the 1.75-L bottle, but only for Sidecars and Brandy Manhattans.

Your liquor cabinet must be the size of a small garage.

Which is only slightly larger than I expect my liver would be if I bought the Big Bottles....(just kidding)

Metaxa comes is "stars" .
Five star is quite drinkable.
Try their seven star and you will be spoiled for the five for a while.

Another affordable brandy is Stock 84

my favorite is Raynal VSOP, it's about $16. in Washington State but alot cheaper in other places in the country.


-mike

We buy Korbel and Gallo by the 1.75-L bottle, but only for Sidecars and Brandy Manhattans.

I'm not sure if there are any single guys lurking on this board, but if you are reading along please take note of Mike's admission of what he buys to satisfy their brandy thirst. If you ever get mixed up with a gal from Wisconsin*; you would be best off fleeing at once. Otherwise you will end up drinking Korbel and Gallo brandy by the jug. Just a friendly warning.

*But if you should meet the gal and her parents have season tickets to the Packers, please let me know.

[
I'm not sure if there are any single guys lurking on this board, but if you are reading along please take note of Mike's admission of what he buys to satisfy their brandy thirst. If you ever get mixed up with a gal from Wisconsin*; you would be best off fleeing at once. Otherwise you will end up drinking Korbel and Gallo brandy by the jug. Just a friendly warning.

*But if you should meet the gal and her parents have season tickets to the Packers, please let me know.

This is sooooooo true.

You will also spend a lot of time in search of the best sweet vermouth to mix with that brandy.

I was introduced to Metaxa many years ago. When I did my produce shopping in the Oakland wholesale produce market. These guys in the market, many of whom were Italian, beat up on me pretty good at first. Before I got to know them.

Many of them knocked off work around the time most of you get up - about 6:00 AM - and headed for the bar, which, conveniently, opened at that time. One morning I said what the hell and followed them in. A few shots of Metaxa later were were buddies.

My prices and access to the quality produce improved that day.

One morning when I came in with a hangover they also introduced me to Fernet Branca. I will never forgive them for that.

As vile as the beverage is they have some really nest graphics on their web site. Just click on "Si".

http://www.fernetbranca.com/

There are a number of French ones at about the $10-15 price point. Most good liquor stores carry at least one.

I spied a 750-ml bottle of Claude Chatelier cognac for $20 at Trader Joe's today. Anyone have any experience with that brand?