Your cart is currently empty!
The days of the cliché Cognac drinker being reserved to cigar smokers sat in front of an open fire are long gone! Yes, certain Cognacs do suit the aromas of a good cigar, but Cognac can be drunk anywhere and in a variety of ways.
Cognac may be drunk neat, with ice or diluted with a little water. We do not recommend warming Cognac as it brings out the alcohol too strongly and releases the aromas too quickly. A tulip glass, rather than a balloon glass, is also recommended since it assures a much better appreciation of the entire aromatic range of the Cognac.
Cognac can also be mixed in a wide range of long drinks and cocktails.
What glass to use for Cognac?
Choose the best glass for cognac
Cognac’s have their own distinct personality, shaped by many factors including blend and age. This is part of what is so special about cognac.
There is one factor, however, that is guaranteed to elevate any cognac tasting experience, and which is entirely in your hands – quite literally. That is to choose the right glass for your cognac because the glass plays a very important part in tasting and enjoying a Cognac. Its size and shape help release and enhance the Cognac’s bouquet.
Glasses for drinking cognac neat
What glass you drink cognac from will depend on how you enjoy it. If drinking cognac neat, the best cognac glass will transform its aromas.
Broadly speaking, there are two main options to consider. The tulip cognac glass, named for how it looks, is the specialist’s choice.
A cognac expert, and particularly a cellar master, will tend to use tulip glasses, as these best capture the essence of the cognac.
The shape of this cognac glass is narrower at the top than the bottom. This concentrates and circulates the aromas, making it easier to appreciate them.
Traditionally, cognac would be consumed in a balloon glass, which remains a popular choice today. It is, therefore, the classic glass used for serving Cognac all over the world.
It is perfect for the enlightened amateur, but to appreciate fully Cognac’s aromatic intensity, a 25cl balloon glass is best.
Pay attention to how you hold the glass, as it can quickly warm the cognac, heightening the sensation of alcohol.
The ideal room temperature for consuming cognac neat is around 18-20°C. Of course, if you do not have access to a dedicated cognac glass, a standard wine glass is a decent substitute.
Glasses for drinking cognac with ice
Of course, for those who prefer to drink cognac chilled, it’s best to serve on ice – or ‘cognac on the rocks’.
Here a tumbler glass, also known as a rocks glass, is what’s called for. It’s important to place the ice cube or cubes into the glass first, then pour in the cognac. This will lessen the shock effect, and minimise any splash.