The Cognac Companion: A Connoisseur's Guide (Hardcover)

~ Conal R. Gregory (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Ideal for the cognac connoisseur or the avid armchair traveler, here you will learn the history of cognac, the challenging production techniques, what qualities impart distinctive taste, tips for tasting, and a complete gazetteer of great cognac houses, with notes on individual styles and differences, and whether visitors are received. Full-color photos and illustrations.

Book Description

North of Bordeaux in western France lies a region that lends its name to its most famous product -- the finest brandy in the world, cognac. Since the seventeenth century, the winemakers of the Cognac region have distilled the fruits of their vines into a smooth, fiery spirit that has captured the palate -- and stoked the imagination -- of connoisseurs across the globe.

This volume is a comprehensive guide to this unique libation offering insight through such highlights as:
-- Tips on buying, storing, serving, and enjoying cognac
-- An illustrated directory to over 60 different cognac houses
-- Expert tasting notes on more than 150 styles
-- Details of traditional production and maturing methods
-- Information and maps for travelers visiting the Cognac region

Whether you're an aficionado or a novice, this volume is an indispensable guide to savoring and enjoying one of the world's greatest creature comforts. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Running Press Book Publishers (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762401958
• ISBN-13: 978-0762401956
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #162,733 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you could possibly want to know about Cognac!, January 3, 2002

By	Vera A. Valencia "pooky322" (The OC, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I love this book! Cognac is my favorite drink and this little book packs so much info. I love reading about the popular AND obscure cognac houses. The pictures are great and I would like to use it as my tour guide for France one day!

5.0 out of 5 stars Building a Foundation, September 3, 2000

By A Customer

If you wonder what XO or Fine Champagne stands for this book is for you. The Cognac Companion provides helpful information on how to read Cognac labels, what glassware to use, and if your favorite Cognac house accepts visitors. The Cognac house listing is a great way to expand your knowledge beyond what you might find in your local retailer. I would recommend this book to the casual consumer as well as the connoisseur.