what:
French brandy
Cognac, France
where:
The Brandy Library
25 North Moore Street
New York
when:
midwinter
character:
Cognac is a
fine vintage watch. Rare, expensive, purely ornamental in modern times and
slightly inappropriate on anyone under the age of thirty; it is a particular
pleasure reserved for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship, respect history
and heritage, and require no further reason to enjoy luxury than the simple
and exquisite enjoyment of luxury itself.
tastes like:
Versailles.
pairs nicely with:
Being Prime Minister of England during World War II; being Czar of Russia
(not to mention Grand Duke of Finland and King of Poland) during
the mid-19th century, being Emperor of France at any point in history; an
early-1960’s IWC Auto Turler; and harboring deep underlying dynastic
ambitions; a 1939 Hamilton Bolton, the first half hour after a large and
satisfying family meal, the first half hour after a long and satisfying
work week, and the last half hour of a languid and satisfying holiday; a
1950’s Bulova 23 Jewel; The Frick, The Cooper-Hewitt, and The Morgan
Library; a pristine 20’s-era Eterna Sterling; sentences that begin
with, “I hear that Pscott fellow is staying in this hotel; why don’t
we show a bit of hospitality and send up a bottle of—”; a tulip
glass, the letters X and O, a fine aged cigar, an original 1950’s
Heuer Chronograph, and winning.