Cognac Bars versus Whisky and Champagne Bars

Champagne bars have long been a luxury way to relax after a hard day’s work, or perhaps to conduct a business meeting with an important client.  And it didn’t take long for savvy bar owners to quickly extend this phenomenon with whisky bars, and now it seems that cognac bars are set to take over the crown.

But which is better?  Or is it good to have a choice depending on your preferred type of tipple?

So the team at Cognac Expert though it would be fun to do a ‘top 5’ of cognac bars around the globe, and compare them with nearby champagne and whisky bars.

Here’s what we came up with:

Number 5: Guy Savoy Cognac Lounge

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, USA

Recently opened, the Guy Savoy has an extensive range of cognacs – many of which are from smaller producers as well as some of the big name brands.  The ultra modern atmosphere makes this Vegas bar a place you might enjoy a big win at the tables, but perhaps not comfortable enough to settle down for the evening…

And in competition to this chic venue, you might choose the Laguna Champagne Bar at the Palazzo’ Casino, where you can also take advantage of music played by live DJs in the evenings.  Hmmm, maybe that’s not quite the quiet and sophisticated atmosphere the cognac connoisseur might be looking for.

Number 4:  The XO Bar

Intercontinental Buckland, Atlanta, USA

This signature bar offers more than 60 different types of cognac.  You can sample eaux-de-vie that won’t break the bank, or if you have the means, try labels that sell for $500 US dollars per measure or a cool $10,000 per bottle.

But if your penchant for the brown stuff is from the grain rather than the grape, then you might choose to visit the Whiskey Blue – the rooftop bar at the W in Buckhead.  Once again, rather more of a ‘night spot’ with sports games blaring on large screens.  But when the weather’s being kind, head outside to the rooftop space for an incredible view of the city.  But don’t come here if you’re looking for a quiet night out…

Number 3: Le Baudelaire

Hotel Burgundy, Paris, France

A Parisian hidden gem, hidden inside this luxury hotel in the French capital.  Very French, very authentic and a wonderful place to retreat from the hustle and bustle outside.  Plus, you can find Michelin starred food fare close by, making this the perfect location to round off a stupendous meal with your favourite eaux-de-vie.

Of course, being in France we couldn’t fail to include a champagne bar in this buzzing metropolis.  There are many to choose from, but why not try the first and oldest in the city; Le Dokhan’s Bar at the Radisson Blu Hotel.  The sommelier will advise you on their range of over 70 different types of bubbly, all in a typically French, old school environment.  Perfect for sharing a tipple with good friends or family, whilst being a quiet enough environment to be able to have a conversation.

Number 2:  The Churchill Bar

Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou, China

This delightfully old school cognac bar features wood panels, comfortable seating, low level lighting and, naturally, a great range of cognacs.  We might be cheating a little here, because this also doubles as our choice for a whisky bar, with a selection that’s the envy of the city.  Single malts are on the menu here, so it’s a great place to come if you’re drinking with a colleague who prefers whisky over cognac.  The dual theme of this bar means that it caters for both aficionados of the grape and the grain…

Number 1:  The Coburg

The Connaught Hotel, London, England

For a fabulous choice of quality XO, you can’t do much better than The Coburg at The Connaught.  And if you enjoy the odd cocktail, then the bar boasts an iconic list including The Sidecar and Sazerac. By the way, we reported about a HINE bottle that was made for The Coburg Cognac Bar.

And if you’re looking for some old fashioned glamour in a champagne bar, then you could do far worse than visit the GNH Bar at London’s iconic Great Northern Hotel at St Pancras Station.  Chandeliers, subdued lighting and an unrivalled selection of the finest bubbly awaits you.  A real treat whether you’re a visitor to the UK capital city or a regular…

Of course, we have to say that being somewhat biased, we’d always chose to visit a cogac bar rather than a whisky or champagne bar.   But even we like a change occasionally, and it’s good to know that these themed bars are becoming more and more popular.

We’ve only scraped the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cognac bars.  So if we’ve missed out a particular favourite of yours, be sure to let us know.

Sources: purist.com
Image sources: cognacs.wordpress.com, travelsort.com, portmanvillage.com, thecriticalcouple.com

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