I know this sounds like a contradiction in terms but if you look hard enough then they can be found.

In terms of quality/price ratio, cognac normally offers poor value against single malts but once in a while it's possible to get a bona fide bargain.

Unfortunately, Delamain Pale & Dry can't be a regular purchase.

I tend to have ten times the number of malts to botlles of cognac at home

For a brief period between 2000 and 2004, Martell offered a "Reserve du Famille" which was a cognac exclusively distilled from the Borderies.

Rich and mellow and available between £15-£20 (About $28- £37)

Sadly, it seems to have disappeared

While in Pisa in September, I bought a Menuet VSOP Grande Champagne. I'd contemplated buying the Menuet Extra, but knowing that I was going home with various Proraso items in addition to a tube of Noxzema cream, I didn't think that the better half would take it very kindly. (Particularly as I'd been to Sicily to see a football match)

The VSOP was 21 euros (£15 or $28)

And a very nice bottle it was too

The Extra, I have since seen offered at £65, was 44 euros, aaarrgghh!!!!


Tonight, I've managed to secure another coup

Sainsbury's the 2nd largest supermarket chain in the UK have reduced their XO Grande Champagne cognac in my local store (while stocks last) to £16.99

which is roughly........................ £31


I now have my Christmas cognac


I did manage to get some Glenlivet 15 yr old French Oak Reserve last week, on special offer for £15, but I'm not one to gloat