Written by Though today’s prompt was actually “cocktail,” I’ve already drawn one of those and my mind drifted to something a little purer with this simple glass of Cognac. Philippe and I had a glass of this a few years ago when we were in France. What made it so memorable was that it was also just after discovering café gourmand, a brillaint concept of espresso paired with a collection of mini desserts. We were in Amboise, France at the time and so everything seemed just a little more magical. For those unfamiliar with this elixir, it’s essentially a type of brandy in that it’s a distilled wine, but the Cognac label can only be applied to the spirit if it was produced in a specific place – namely, the Cognac region of western France, a couple hundred miles southwest of Paris.
It was a discovery to Philippe as well because the French don’t really drink Cognac and it’s less likely to be enjoyed everywhere. Only about 3% of the Cognac produced is actually consumed in France. They prefer Scotch. The amount of scotch they drink there equals the amount of Cognac they produce for the entire world. So, although it’s not a favorite French drink, it still brings back good memories of France. Of course, we couldn’t afford the very aged version, but even the entry level version, aged just two years, is still graded V.S. which charmingly stands for “very special.” I still remember that particular day in Amboise, so even though it wasn’t the best Cognac available, it definitely qualifies as a very special memory.
Once we returned, we bought a little bottle and had a few sips just to relive the experience. Suddenly though, it just tasted a bit like brandy and failed to possess any of the allure we felt when sipping it while sitting in the Loire Valley. I guess there’s never really a way to bring your vacation home with you. Whether it’s Cognac or seashells, it’s never quite the same as when you were there. But every time I see a bottle, I think about that day and how fabulous each little dessert tasted. How beautiful it all felt to be there at the time, so relaxed, without worrying about anything at all. Had I been able to see the future, I would have realized I was also sitting across from the person I would later marry. But at the time, it was simply enough to be sitting quietly together, enjoying a perfect little moment, with just a little taste of Cognac.
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Ah, the power of the magic of the moment, and the special memories that stay with us forever!
They truly do! Thanks so much!! 😃💕
I love this story. I’ll never look at cognac the same way again. Even if I’ve never tasted it. Haha
Awww thanks, Teri! 😃💕 hehe… yeah… it’s not something to have very often. But taste is nice!
I’ve never had cognac but now I want yo give it a try! 😊 Sounds like a wonderful memory Charlie! Cheers friend! 🍷💕😄
Thanks so much, Jill! 😃💕 Hehe… it’s a bit strong… total sipper… but kind of nice to add a little warmth this coming winter. 😉
Oh I love how certain things reveal strong memories, food/drink, smells, music…funny I was watching a programme just the other night about the richest foods, and one gentleman purchased the last shot of a very old cognac, that quick sip cost him £5000! Eeek !
Wow!! Not that’s some amazing Cognac! Or at least amazingly expensive. Oh, to have so much money that you’ve run out of things to do with it. LOL😂
What a lovely post, Charlie, and a wonderful image.
Thanks so much, Michael! 😃 Glad you liked it!
Love the way you painted the glass AND the Cognac. I’ve had my share
of this beverage in the past, pure after a good meal or with a little
espresso aside.
Good story again, too!
Thanks so much, Marita! 😃💕 It’s good stuff isn’t it? Such a nice little bonus after a meal. hehe
Food and drink really do cement memories. Great painting, reflection and shadow. (K)
Thanks, Kerfe! 😃💕 Got my shadow too dark at first and had to wash it and try to lift paint! Liked the effect even more! Happy accidents!
It worked!
So true. It’s all about the experience. Lovely post and doodlewash. ❤️
Thanks, Jodi! 😃💕 Glad you liked this… love these kind of moments!
I can’t say I’ve tried Cognac, Charlie, although I may have done and not appreciated it… I do that from time to time. A nice painting, you’ve caught the colours well.
Hehe… you just were in the right locale when you had it apparently! 😉 Thanks Tom! Glad you liked this one!
What a very sweet memory for you and Philippe. And the painting is lovely. I can see why you are so eager to get back to France.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 hehe… at this point I’m just eager for a little break. It’s been forever since I had a vacation!
How romantic. It isn’t long now, until the Paris trip?
I didn’t know that – that more cognac drunk outside France. Très inttéressant.
Thanks Terri! 😃💕 Yeah… according to one source anyway… hehe… I didn’t do heavy research as I don’t have much time. And yes! heading to Paris on Thursday!
It just looks so real! The foot of the glass especially, and its adjacent shadow – sheer absurdity. I most definitely grade this post ‘V.S.’! <3
Hehe…thanks!! Aww!! Best grade ever! Glad you liked this…I felt my upper glass was a little too wonky but liked the bits you mentioned!
What a lovely memory! To mix metaphors, I guess the cognac is greater on the other side, lol.
Lol… truly! Thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕
Beautiful painting of the glass. Cognac n the memories..soo real.
Thanks so much, Shubha! 😃💕 Painting glass is so much fun! I love it!
“I guess there’s never really a way to bring your vacation home with you.” So true!
Aww glad you enjoyed this, Heila! 😃💕