A serious story.
I recently submitted my neighbors to a taste test of a popular French Cognac, $30 VS grade, and an American brandy, $12. Though they are no connoisseurs of Cognac, she pointed out to me something I did not pay attention to before. "This smells of vanilla, this smells sweet, etc..." And she was right.
And she liked the American brandy better. Now, I was somewhat cagey and told them they would be comparing two French brandies, else she might be swayed by prejudice.
But what did I like better? I was not sure. I think my palate has been shot, as I did not care that much. It may not matter anymore what I drink.
PS. I am going to put my neighbor to the next test, involving a couple of $150 bottles of XO cognac, with lower grades mixed in.