The problem I have with cognac and brandy in general is I find it kind of one dimensional. The differences between them aren't that great to me, and going up in price tiers doesn't provide as much punch as it does with something like scotch. I like brandy and cognac, especially in the winter, but I'm not super particular. My goto is Asbach Uralt. It's a German brandy that's cognac in all but fact. Every step is the same as cognac, but it's made in Germany, so it's "just" brandy. Still tastes good.