"goes for about $33.00 a bottle"
Maybe in your neighborhood or on the 'net. The buyer/giver of this gift griped when I had to admit I didn't care for it "What? I paid $50 for that bottle". I have subsequently seen it for 49.95. Just because a wine is available at a certain price does not mean that is what it "goes for".
I have bought Gurkha perfectos for $4.25 - in my view, doesn't mean that's what they go for.
At any rate, I am surprised that you would avoid this bottle but think favorably of an XO cognac.
Each component liquor of the Ambre substantially exceeds the aging requirement for XO.
Of course, the component parts of the Remy XO Excellence all exceed these requirements as well, but in another comparison, the Ambre is 100% Grand Champagne Cognac, while the remy is a blend featuring only 85% Grand.
I guess what got me wondering is your position that you would "avoid" an expensive premium Grand Champagne 1er Cru Cognac that you had never tasted. I am sure it is not my complaint that engendered this view. What is it about this brandy that tells you to avoid it? By the same token, what is it about the Remy Martin XO that would make it favorable in your eyes, based on the label.
Thanx.