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A spherical glass for cognac. Glasses for cognac: history of creation and varieties

Making a great alcoholic beverage like cognac is undoubtedly a great art, requiring years of research and a wealth of experience. However, the ability to taste, drink and store cognac correctly is no less an art than its preparation. Cognac is a drink that must not only be absorbed, but understood, appreciated and loved. Therefore, for many years, experts have been looking for the best glassware for cognac and finally came to a consensus.

Cognac glasses

Traditional glasses for cognac are the so-called snifters, the name of which comes from the English word "sniff" - "to sniff". Experts, creating glasses for cognac, proceeded precisely from the aromatic characteristics of cognac. A snifter, as a rule, is a spherical glass with a low stem, tapering upwards, made of transparent and smooth glass or crystal. Such glasses for cognac came into use for quite some time, around the 16th century.
Glasses for cognac snifters are able to fully convey to the taster all the positive qualities of the drink, they help the cognac to open up. The snifter is very comfortable, it is wrapped with a palm, pushing the leg between the fingers. As you know, most of the cognac shades are concentrated in the aroma of the drink, therefore the upper part of the snifter is slightly narrowed, which allows you to fully experience the aromatic components of the drink and its tart fragrance in the palm of your hand.

For a long time, spherical snifters remained the only acceptable glasses for cognac, but time has made its own adjustments. And today one can observe a tendency of transition to a slightly different type of glasses. Other cognac glasses are vessels that are shaped like a lyre or an opening tulip. These glasses are characterized by a taller stem and a slight taper towards the top. As you might guess, such a glass is not able to concentrate within itself all the shades of the aroma of the drink, like a snifter. Therefore, it is customary to pour young cognacs with an aging of 2-4 years into a tulip-shaped glass, since they have a sharper aroma. When you drink a young cognac, the inhalation of the first aromas does not bring much pleasure, so there is nothing to keep them on the surface.

Cognac glasses differ from each other not only in shape, but also in capacity. The volume of the dishes depends on the type of drink for which it is supposed to be used. For example, cognac glasses of the smallest volume - 150 ml - are used for tasting cognacs, and medium-sized cognac glasses - from 150 to 300 ml - are the most common vessels in the circle of all cognac connoisseurs. As a sign of respect for old expensive drinks, real gourmets use large glasses, the volume of which reaches 300 - 700 ml.
In the circle of experts, there is one general rule for choosing glasses for cognac: the longer the aging of the drink, the larger the glass should be in volume and the more narrowed its upper part should be. That is, the more alcohol there is in the cognac, the wider the neck of the glass should be. And vice versa.

When choosing glasses, it is also necessary not to forget that whatever the shape and volume of the vessel, it should be filled to the level of the widest part, and not to the very edges.
Glasses for cognac are completely different in their price features: affordable glass, elite crystal, expensive brand. As you know, there are currently two "glass giants" on the market, engaged in the creation of tableware for every taste: the Austrian company Riedel with a 250-year history and the Spiegelau enterprise, founded already in 1521. By the way, it was Riedel experts who, after several years of studying the character of cognac, were among the first to insist on the use of tulip-shaped glasses.

What modern glass manufacturers do not come up with! For example, special glasses for cognac were created, equipped with special heating devices. As professionals say, before using cognac, it must be warmed up. However, a noble drink should be warmed up exclusively with the warmth of the palm - this should always be remembered.
Exclusive custom-made glasses can cost a lot of money, sometimes they cost thousands of dollars. Cognac glasses, from which famous people once drank, are put up at auctions, their prices sometimes reach 40-70 thousand euros. Of course, buying glasses for a lot of money is not necessary, you just need to correctly choose the shape and volume of the vessel, because the right glasses are a very important element in the art of drinking noble drinks.

Decanters for cognac

Another indispensable vessel for cognac is the so-called decanter, that is, a special glass decanter designed for decantation (release from sediment) and serving wine. A wine decanter has been around for centuries, but decanters, lavishly decorated with precious materials, were initially highly prized. It was only in the 20th century that people began to notice the attractive features of minimalism. Luxurious decanters have given way to decanters, whose ascetic image should emphasize only the natural characteristics of the drink. A cognac decanter, like a wine decanter, is a matter of taste. Every gourmet can buy a decanter that suits his taste. Well, or affordable.

In order to buy a decanter that is best suited to your particular beverage, you need to know two main purposes of decantation. Firstly, this is the release of the drink from sediment, and secondly, additional aeration (natural oxygenation). It is these nuances that determine the creation of various decanters.
Today there are thousands of different decanters for cognac, however, in fact, only two main types of these decanters can be distinguished. All other options are just variations of these two types.

The first type of decanter is a vessel with a wide bottom and a funnel-shaped neck, designed for young cognacs. In this case, the area of contact of the pouring cognac with air plays an important role: the larger the area, the better the cognac is saturated with oxygen, and the stronger the taste and aroma of the drink are manifested. Another important rule to consider is that cognac is best aerated when the level is just below the widest part of the decanter.

If you have in your collection a noble old cognac that does not need additional “opening”, but may contain sediment, then you should buy a decanter of the second type. This decanter is narrow in shape, and the lower part of the decanter is usually spherical.
Decanters also vary greatly in price. It depends on the materials used (glass, crystal, with the addition of barium, silver, with finishing and decoration), on the well-known name of the manufacturer, etc. The average price of a fairly good decanter is about 50-60 dollars, and the most fastidious gourmets can buy a decanter for example, for $ 1,000. The manufacturer decorates expensive decanters with elements of silver, gold, cupronickel, decorative handles, lids, etc. In no case should there be wooden or ceramic inserts on the decanter, which adversely affect the state of the drink. The main rule of all decanter manufacturers is to make your product as transparent as possible so that the decorative elements present do not obscure the beauty of the drink itself, poured into the vessel.

The question of the need for a decanter at home can be discussed endlessly. Of course, I can't say that a decanter at home is a daily necessities such as glasses, but its presence is only welcome. If you prefer to drink your favorite cognac according to all the rules, then I advise you to buy a decanter and choose the right glasses. Our life is full of pleasures, you just need to be able to receive them!

December 18, 2015, 14:00

Already the New Year is on the nose. You always want to celebrate it well, so that there will be a charge for the entire next year, or at least there is something to remember and rejoice at. And in general, in my opinion, sometimes you need to arrange holidays for yourself, even just with a glass of wine, delicious cheese and a nice movie. In one of my posts, I have already raised the topic of the importance of glasses for the perception of alcoholic beverages, and now I decided to continue it. It seems to me that it will be useful both for us personally, and for those cases when you choose gifts for your friends and relatives and do not know what to stop at. Honestly, when compiling this post, I discovered a lot of new things for myself.

So, I propose a generally accepted classification of glasses with small comments why a particular type of glasses is suitable for a given drink.

1. Glass of champagne flute (glass flute).

As a rule, classic elongated glasses are used for champagne.

Suitable not only for champagne, but also for sparkling wines, as well as for cocktails based on them.

They have been used for more than a century, since it was noticed a long time ago that this shape contributes to the appearance of bubbles and their rise up. It is recommended to chill such a glass before serving champagne.

2. A glass-bowl or a glass-bowl.

Such champagne bowls wide neck, so the carbonation of the drink quickly evaporates. It was widespread in the 30s and 40s. XX century, but has now lost its popularity and is mostly used at events where they build towers from glasses of champagne.

3. A glass for red wine.

Red wine will be more delightful if served in rounded, wide-bottomed glass... A large area of contact with air contributes to the saturation of the drink with oxygen, a more subtle and full disclosure of the bouquet. The volume of the glass is about 260 ml. Red wine glasses are rounder than white wine glasses. A high leg is needed so as not to heat the wine from the warmth of the hands. Dry and semi-dry red wines are drunk at room temperature, about + 18 ° C, sweet and semi-sweet - slightly chilled.

There are also glasses for Burgundy red wine up to 700 ml. They are often shaped like a huge apple or an inverted balloon. This is due to the desire to catch and reveal the iridescent and so multifaceted aroma of these wines. The wide rim of the glass compensates for the increased acidity of Burgundy wines. Slightly rotating a huge glass, you will see an amazing play of shades and highlights of this wine.

4. A glass for white wine.

For white wine use glasses with a small bowl tapering upwards(210 ml) - thanks to frequent pouring, the drink in such a vessel will always be cool and fresh. White wine glasses are more elongated and straighter than red wine glasses. A high leg is needed so as not to heat the wine from the warmth of the hands. White wine is poured into 2/3 of the glass, served chilled to 10 ° C with fish, poultry, chicken, turkey, veal, as well as dessert.

5. If wine is served as the only drink, then they put versatile or tasting glass... It is wide enough at the base, narrowed at the top, high stem, volume from 140 to 370 ml; filled in by one third.

6. Glass for liqueurs. 40-60 ml. 40 ml is standard. Only pure liquor is served in such a glass. By the way, liqueur is usually served in the afternoon.

7. Glass for sherry. 60-80 ml. The canonical form, which has come down to us since the beginning of the last century, retaining the elegance of the leg with a figured shape. It is customary to serve such a glass with cherries. The triangular shape facilitates the evaporation of alcohol.

8. Glass "snifter"- with a thick bottom and a powerful short stem, strongly tapering upwards, - intended for serving pure brandy, cognac, Armagnac and Calvados. The vessel fits perfectly into the palm, from the heat of which the drink is warmed up and reveals its taste and bouquet. Therefore, drinks should be served at room temperature and drunk in small sips, savoring the taste. The volume of the snifter is 260-390 ml, but it can only be filled up to the edge of the wide part of the glass, that is, no more than a quarter.

9. Whiskey glass... Old fashioned glass (old fashion), 180-320 ml. It was popular before for strong drinks served with ice, therefore, despite its small size, the glass is very roomy. Thick walls are needed to prevent the ice from melting too quickly.

10. Small straight glass "shot" with a thick bottom, with a volume of 40-60 ml, is intended for strongly chilled strong alcohol in its pure form (for example, vodka) and for strong, layered cocktails of a small volume, designed for 1 sip. You need to drink from such a glass by literally swallowing the contents inside.

11. Tall glass extended towards the center intended for beer, but can also be used to serve various cocktails. Its volume ranges from 220 to 500 ml. The colder the drink, the better.

12. Beer mug has a larger volume than a glass - from 250 to 1000 ml.

13. Tall highball glass with a volume of 150-300 ml, with strong walls and a thick bottom, expanding at the neck, is used to serve water, soft drinks and some types of cocktails.

14. Collins is a tall glass with thick straight sides and bottom, with a volume of 230-340 ml, is the most popular glass for strong alcohol mixed with soda and ice, as well as for large volume cocktails with ice (Mojito, Long Island Ice Tea).

15. Universal tumbler tumblervolume 260-320 ml, with thickened sides and bottom, used for serving spirits, as well as some simple cocktails. Its name comes from the Old Fashioned cocktail, considered the pioneer of mixed drinks.

A triangular glass with a wide neck and a long thin stem, thanks to which the cocktail does not heat up. The side view of the glass resembles a triangle. But this applies specifically to the martini cocktail. It is used for cold cocktails, ice is not used as standard. It is ideal for most chilled medium-sized cocktails without ice, but it is not at all suitable for pure drinks (including martinis, despite its name). The volume of this glass is 90-280 ml.

17. Glass with a volume of 200-250 ml on a thin long stem, very narrow at the base and very wide at the neck, suitable for the Margarita cocktail and its variations, as well as for frozen drinks. The edges of this glass are usually decorated with a sugar border.

18. Hurricane - a long tulip-shaped glass with a short curly leg volume of 400-480 ml - specially designed for serving tropical cocktails such as "Blue Hawaii" or "Pina Colada".

19. Grappaglas used to serve an Italian alcoholic drink, a grape pomace infusion that was previously considered a drink for the poor. It differs from other wine glasses in its unusual shape: a narrow neck and a spherical base. This allows a very narrow stream of drink to be delivered to the tip of the tongue, highlighting the components in the taste, this glass neutralizes the alcohol in the aftertaste, harmonizing it with other components. Italians claim that only after drinking from such a glass, you can feel the spirit of Italy.

20. A small glass on a thick stem it is used for cocktails of the sour group, which have a sour taste due to the content of citrus juices.

It is believed that the stronger the drink, the smaller the utensils for serving it are required. Wine glasses and glasses are a good example. Although there are types of spirits, which are usually served in large forms. In details about what glasses exist for cognac, whiskey, liqueurs and other types of drinks.

Cognac is considered an elite drink. Moreover, the older the cognac, the deeper its aroma and subtler taste. And in order to fully experience all its advantages, you need special dishes. Even in the old days, brandy was drunk exclusively from "pot-bellied" cups and there were reasons for this - it was in this form that the entire "bouquet" of tastes and aromas of this alcohol was revealed. What is the name of a cognac glass today and how is it usually served?

Cognac snifter

The classic cognac glass is called a snifter. The name is borrowed from English speech, the word "sniffing" is translated - sniffing, which directly reflects the manner of drinking the drink. Before taking a sip of cognac, it is customary to bring the glass to the nose, inhaling the aroma of the contents.

A cognac glass can also be called "brandy glass" or "cognac balloon". All of them have a round bowl shape, narrowing towards the top, always on a medium or low stem. The smaller (narrower) the diameter of the snifter rim, the more concentrated the smell of the contents will be. Ideally, when the bowl fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, slightly warming the drink, because cognac is usually served at room temperature (18-22 degrees). The warmth of the palm will only increase the disclosure of all the qualities of alcohol.

Snifter is intended for serving strong, alcoholic drinks based on grape varieties, such as: cognac, armagnac, brandy and others.

Wobble glass

It is a type of snifter. The shape of the glass is without a stem, and the bowl itself has a pointed spike at the bottom. Wobble always lies on its side, turning over like a tumbler. Beautifully rotating around its axis, it helps the drink to "open up" deeper.

Cognac glass - tulip

Thin glasses made of glass or crystal have a high stem and a small bowl in the shape of an opening flower - a tulip. Suitable for large parties. This model of cognac glass is especially popular in the "homeland" of the drink - France.

Earlier, the tulip wine glass was considered a professional dish, it was difficult to find it on sale. Today, this shape of the glass is found everywhere. By the way, it is ideal for tasting any elite alcohol, from wine to cognac.

Brandy glasses

Cognac is considered to be a kind of brandy, so a cognac glass in the shape of a tulip and a classic snifter are also suitable for it. It is also appropriate to serve brandy in any wide glass with a thick bottom, for example.

Whiskey glasses

Some people compare whiskey to cognac, although they are two different drinks. Cognac is made from grapes and is usually drunk at room temperature. Whiskey is made from barley or corn and is drunk very chilled. For serving, for example, bourbon, wide, voluminous glasses are used so that pieces of ice can be reported.

What is the name of the whiskey glass and how is it served? This drink can be served in cylindrical glasses with a thick bottom, a glass and a glass:

Cup the rocks(rocks) with a capacity of 250 ml. The model is always with straight walls and a thick bottom. Designed for double servings of whiskey on ice.
Cup toggle switch(tumbler) with a standard capacity of 200 ml, also has a cylindrical shape and a massive bottom. Experts say this type of dish is best used for tasting simple whiskeys.
Standard p yumka, the volume of which is 40-50 ml, can also be used for this type of alcohol. Most often used by those who like to drink whiskey in its pure form, the entire serving at a time. Not suitable for those who prefer to taste, paying special attention to the taste and aroma of the drink.
Glass "tulip" is also sometimes used to serve a serving of whiskey.

Shot or stack

This type of tableware is intended for drinks taken in one gulp. It is appropriate to say that the word "Shot" in translation from English means "shot". Looks like a small glass with a thick bottom.

The classic stack is lower than the shot and does not have a massive bottom. Question: - How many grams are in a stack? - does not have a clear answer. The volume can vary from 40 to 100 ml. (for example, a faceted glass of the Soviet period holds 100 grams of vodka). Models are used for vodka, tequila, mezcal (a Mexican agave drink) and other spirits.

Glass

The glass is intended for a large number of different drinks and can be: cognac, vodka, liqueur, sherry, wine, etc. The shape of the glass is a small glass-bowl on a leg. Compared to a glass, the glass is always taller and more graceful.

When it is customary to use a glass, not a glass. Although it has been noticed that the thin leg does not allow the glass to be as stable as a pile. Naturally, this is not practical in "drunken" feasts and often the choice is made towards the piles. The volume of the glass depends on its purpose:

The volume of a vodka glass is 50-60 ml.
- 65-75 ml.
Liqueur glass - 40 ml.
Sherry glass - from 60 to 80 ml.

It should also be borne in mind that the glass and glass are never filled entirely with alcoholic beverages. It is customary to fill cognac glasses by ¼ part of the bowl.

Aged cognac is an amazing strong alcoholic drink, invented in order to delight with its unique taste and amazing aroma, as well as dispel sorrow, heal ailments, warm the soul and just decorate our table. Consuming noble elite alcohol from inappropriate dishes is considered blasphemy and an insult not only among true gourmets.

The fact is that only by observing all the rules of etiquette and drinking a drink from a suitable dish, you will be able to reveal the whole multifaceted depth of the taste and aromatic qualities of alcohol. Let's find out together from which glasses the noble cognac is drunk, what is the name of the glass for this alcohol, and also we will analyze in detail what are the conditions for serving this elite drink.

Promotes full aroma development divine nectar.
They help to fully experience the multifaceted range of alcohol tastes and enjoy a unique rich aftertaste.
Satisfy the visual need for aesthetic pleasure from the tasting process.

Provide convenient location in the palm of the taster, since it is customary to savor a noble liquid slowly.
The canon vessels are most often made of transparent glass, which allows you to enjoy the rich shades of the drink.

Basic Rules

The choice of the necessary vessel depends entirely on the age of the drink. There is an unspoken rule: the older the cognac, the more voluminous the vessel should be- this will allow the aroma of the content to "walk" and not fade away longer.
Traditionally, cognac is served in vessels with a volume of 125-150 milliliters, however, there are exceptions. At a professional tasting, cognacs with a record high aging are served in glasses up to 800 milliliters.

Do not serve alcohol chilled- this is considered a sign of bad taste. Alcohol should be at room temperature (minimum 17 degrees, maximum 22 degrees).

Types of vessels for cognac

Snifter

Classic cognac glasses are called snifters, which means "sniff" in English.

This kind of cognac glass has a spherical shape, smoothly tapering upward, forming a narrow neck. The container is strengthened on a short, fragile leg, which makes it possible to instantly transfer the warmth of the taster's palms to the contents.
Snifter volume ranges from 70 to 700 milliliters... However, you can also find more spacious souvenir or designer models.
Classic snifters made of crystal or thin glass... The design feature is its rounded shape, which allows you to keep the liquid inside, even if the glass is toppled over. You can often find snifters decorated with inlay, gilding or precious stones, since these glasses are intended exclusively for expensive elite alcohol.
Most often from such glasses drinks from the XO series are tasted(extra old) aged for at least six years. Snifters retain a delicate aroma for a long time and allow you to deeper feel the taste of alcohol. Remember that the longer the alcohol is aged, the more sniffer volumes you will need.
According to the traditional canons of the correct use of cognac, a snifter filled with no more than a third, most often by a quarter. You have a great opportunity to appreciate the amber-golden liquid, as well as to feel all the nuances of an impressive bouquet of taste and aftertaste.

Snifters are ideal for leisurely and casual conversations by the fireplace, to the light sounds of soft, unobtrusive music in a circle of good friends.

Tasting process:

We fill the snifter with hot water to the level of the widest part of the vessel.
Slightly shake the contents of the glass and evaluate the amber shade of the alcohol.
We bring the vessel to the nose and inhale a little the aroma concentrated in the upper part of the snifter. Remember, the narrower the top of the snifter, the stronger the concentration of the aromatic bouquet of the drink.
We wrap our palms around the glass and warm the contents with the warmth of our hands for half a minute.
We take a tiny sip and, without swallowing, hold it under the tongue. We try to determine all the notes of the taste of the drink.
We continue drinking cognac in small sips, making them at fairly large intervals.

Tulips

The tulip glass has other names - a cognac glass or a cognac glass.

The shape of the cognac glass lives up to its name - it resembles a flower bud... The tulip is complemented by a slender high leg resembling a flower stem. Surprisingly, in the homeland of cognac, the French prefer tulips to classic snifters.
Vessels of such an exquisite shape are used for drinking young cognacs, aged from three to five years.
The temperament of such immature alcohol is most often characterized by a rather sharp, powerful, "punching" smell of alcohol, which can significantly interfere with the perception of aroma drink and dull the taste buds. High walls of tulips with a slightly widening neck help to evaporate, "disperse" a little alcohol vapors and become a bit softer and softer.
Long leg of cognac glass makes it possible to enjoy alcohol without increasing its temperature. Some connoisseurs of elite cognac argue that alcohol unheated with palms is more pleasant and easier to drink.

Tulips are perfect for a fun feast with loud music in a circle of close friends. They are also intended for tasting several alcoholic beverages at once.

Tasting process:

Pour the noble liquid into a cognac glass no higher than its widest part.
We hold the tulip by the lower part of the stem, slowly tilting and turning it around its axis. At the same time, we evaluate the transparency, golden color and quality of the droplets of alcohol flowing down the walls.
Then we bring the glass to our nose and inhale the smell of noble alcohol.
Now let's sip the contents a little and hold it in the mouth for a few seconds. In the meantime, we will try to feel all the flavors of the huge bouquet.
We swallow slowly, listen to our taste sensations and enjoy the aftertaste.
We drink the remaining contents of the tulip in small sips.

Wobble glass

Wobble is an analogue of a snifter, however, in comparison with the latter, its proportions are larger.

The first thing that catches your eye is the complete absence of a leg - instead of it there is a pointed conical ledge... As a result, the position of the glass is unstable - it can only lie and roll in the manner of a tumbler.
The main function of the wobble is to gracefully roll on the table, stir content. In the process of rotation, all layers of the strong drink are actively mixed with air, as a result of which the aroma of alcohol is fully revealed, and you have an excellent opportunity to appreciate absolutely all its subtleties and nuances.

Pipe snifters

A glass with a pipe is a unique vessel that combines a snifter and a hookah. This type is very popular among connoisseurs of luxury and aesthetes.

The glass is classic snifter, from the bottom of which a thin long tube emerges.
He allows you to enjoy the tasting ceremony while sipping the contents from the bottom of the vessel. Experts argue that such an opportunity allows a clear separation of taste and aroma sensations.
Professional tasters assure that the absorption of cognac from such a vessel adds even more sophistication to the tasting, piquancy and solemnity that cannot be experienced with other glasses.

Glass-drop

Serving aged alcohol in such glasses is very rare.

They are tiny snifters, no more than 50 milliliters in volume.
Such glasses are made mainly crystal, and also very often are decorated with highly artistic author's cut or inlay.
They are filled with literally a few drops of golden elixir.
Sorry, you it will not be possible to find such masterpieces in mass production... Most often, they are created either to order or produced in a limited edition for a certain significant event.

Using glasses for aged cognac is blasphemy and is considered not only a sign of bad taste, but also disrespect for an elite noble drink.

Helpful information

Start your tasting with the extraordinarily aromatic Courvoisier cognac.
I also advise you to enjoy the magical taste of Martel cognac.
The famous Armenian brandy Ararat fully deserves a large-scale tasting from a special glass.
It is simply impossible to deny yourself the pleasure of feeling the rich, long-lasting aftertaste of Camus cognac.
—Cognac Otard — not just received the status of a truly unsurpassed masterpiece and true perfection.

If you purchase the coveted bottle of elite aged cognac and select suitable vessels, the success of your event will be guaranteed! At one time, I was very surprised how much pleasure and enjoyment I lost without following the rules of tasting and not using vessels specially created for this. Believe me, just picking up a glass with a radiant elixir, you can discover incredibly amazing, magical and new notes of this drink. In addition, the increasing anticipation in preparation for the tasting will enhance the pleasant experience. Happy tasting!

Cognac is a type of brandy that belongs to spirits. It is made from blended grape varieties that make it taste luxurious and unforgettable. The great French writer Victor Hugo called cognac “the drink of the gods”. Indeed, it is considered one of the best noble drinks. However, there are several rules that must be followed in order to fully experience the rich taste of cognac.

Golden Rule

Unlike the usual types of alcohol (vodka or beer, for example), cognac is a more finicky drink. It requires you to follow certain etiquette. The culture of creating cognac originated in France, which is why it is considered one of the most refined and elite types of brandy. Such a drink cannot be drunk from ordinary glasses, while eating what was found in the refrigerator. To feel the idea of cognac, enjoy its aroma and truly fall in love with its unique taste, you need to choose the right not only the drink itself, but also the right dishes.

A glass for cognac should be of such a shape that would reveal all the aromatic notes of the drink. We must also not forget about the design: it must correspond to the status and emphasize the elite of the drink. However, not all beautiful glasses are suitable for drinking this noble brandy. Let's find out a few facts from the past that will help us decide on the choice of cookware.

In ancient Greece, alcoholic beverages were an important part of the culture. In addition to "bread and circuses," the Romans and Greeks were very fond of organizing feasts and feasts, where wines and other intoxicating drinks were an indispensable attribute of hospitality.

If you look at the bowls used by the ancient Greeks, it will immediately become clear why for them the culture of drinking alcohol was something of an art. They paid attention to the smallest detail when creating wine tasting utensils. They were the first to come up with cups ideal for alcoholic beverages. Even modern sommeliers and connoisseurs note that cognac glasses should have a squat and pot-bellied shape, exactly the same as the shape of the goblets of the ancient Greeks.

What should be the perfect glass?

We already know the main requirement for dishes: it should reveal the taste of cognac. However, not everything is as simple as it seems. One of the advantages of this great drink is its aroma. Slightly tart and slightly perfumed, it really excites the mind. Even not the most sophisticated drinkers will be able to distinguish several types of smells in it. Good cognac has a slightly vanilla aroma with a rich color tint, which is felt when in contact with the glass. The most complex bouquet of aromas, reminiscent of the aromas of apricot, rose and linden, is revealed already at the first sip. So, in order for the taste of cognac to bring an unforgettable pleasure, the glass must meet the following criteria:

a low footrest that allows the drink to heat up from the warmth of the palm;
a pot-bellied shape that tapers towards the top;
roomy volume - from 500 ml.

Glasses for cognac are called snifters (from the English sniff - "to sniff"), because before sipping a drink, it should be brought to the nose and enjoy the aroma. This is a classic dish that can be used for any cognac. However, the glass is often chosen based on the characteristics of the drink, so let's find out what types of cognac are produced and which of them are the most delicious.

Creation of cognac and its types

Brandy is one of the oldest types of drink, or rather, it is not even the drink itself, but the way it is prepared. Brandy technology is also called distillation distillation. There are three types of drink:

grape - made from different grape varieties;
fruit and berry - apples, plums, cherries, pears and raspberries are used for it;
and finally, brandy from the squeeze - all the parts of the grapes remaining after the squeezing are used, that is, the stems, pulp and even seeds.

Cognac is most often made from white grapes Trebbiano, Montil and Colombard. The fruits are first pressed, then there is a process of distillation and aging for several years under certain conditions. Any cognac spirit must be stored in oak barrels for at least 2 years, during which time the drink manages to mix with small particles of wood and acquires a golden color and woody vanilla aroma.

Cognac is of several categories depending on the aging period of the drink:

Very Special (V.S) - 2 years.
Superior - aging period is at least 3 years.
Very Superior Old Pale (V.S.O.P) - at least 4 years old.
Extra Old (X.O) is already an elite cognac with an aging period of more than 6 years.

It should be understood that real cognac is produced only in the province of Charente, in the vicinity of the city of Cognak. There are more than 250 known companies involved in its creation, but the best recognized manufacturers are the so-called “Four Great Cognac Houses”. This is the famous home of Hennessy, Martell, Remy Martin and Courvoisier. Manufacturers often mix several blends to create a unique flavor range.

The rule of choosing a glass for cognac

It can be difficult to find the perfect cup in the huge variety of glasses and glasses for alcoholic drinks. Classic snifters are suitable for an elite cognac, but tulip glasses are ideal for a young brandy. These cognac glasses are very popular in France, because the V.S and Superior category cognac has a rather pungent smell that hits the nose, and the shape of the glass allows the drink to disperse and become a little softer. A glass-tulip for cognac has a long stem, is made of thin glass, its shape resembles the bud of an unopened flower.

For those who do not keep a lot of dishes at home, we recommend getting a classic set of cognac glasses. These can be ordinary tumblers or shot glasses. Whiskey is usually drunk from them, but they reveal the aroma of cognac quite well.

Brandy temperature

If we talk about the size, then there is such a rule: the longer the aging period of the cognac, the larger the glass itself should be. This allows the aroma of the drink to be thoroughly saturated with oxygen, while not letting it evaporate. Since cognac, unlike whiskey, is drunk warm, sometimes it is considered permissible to even warm it up. In the photo you can see the structure: crystal glasses for cognac are placed on a stand and heated with a candle. Cognac is brought to room temperature (about 17-20 degrees), and then you can taste it.

Variety of shapes and designs

It would seem, what's the difference, what to drink from? But no! There are an incredible number of different glasses. Professional sommeliers will tell you that the largest glass has a volume of 800 grams. It is round in shape, and surprisingly, it does not have a leg! Instead, the glass has a small, pointed projection that fits snugly between the fingers. It is called "wobble", it serves only the most seasoned cognac. Drink while holding the glass in your palms, gently rotating it and stirring the contents, which allows the drink to reveal the best qualities of its aroma.

The most famous glasses made from real Bohemian crystal are produced by the following manufacturers: Spiegelau (Spiegelau - Germany), Glenfarclas (Scotland) and Wilson & Morgan (Italy). As an additional presentation to the drink, you can order an engraved cognac glass, which will undoubtedly become an unforgettable gift for anyone.

How to drink cognac correctly?

This elite noble drink is always kept for special occasions, because in many ways it is the surrounding atmosphere that makes the cognac even more exquisite. Imagine a picture: two people in beautiful dresses are sitting by the fireplace, talking about something sublime, unhurried music is playing quietly. It is in such an atmosphere that cognac should be drunk.

First of all, you should prepare the glasses for the cognac. Unusual snacks and salads are best served after the event, and before brandy you need to drink good coffee. The French even have a rule of three "K": coffee, cognac and cigars (Coffee, Cognac, Cigare).

The art of drinking cognac implies an appropriate interior: set a lush table, decorate the room, dress up, do a beautiful hairdo and only then open the coveted bottle. The aroma of cognac will spread throughout the room, gently captivating and enchanting with its luxurious and rich flavor bouquet.

Glasses for cognac and brandy

Cognac glasses (Cognac Ballon) are more voluminous, slightly tapering at the top. Outwardly, such glasses resemble a ball. They can serve both cognac and brandy. The spherical shape of the glass allows you to warm the drink with the warmth of your hands, because, as is well known, only cognac warmed in this way fully reveals its aroma and complex structure.

However, spherical glasses have some differences. First of all, they consist in a fundamental difference in the magnitude of the constriction. For example, if the glass narrows only slightly, then it is intended for serving young cognacs of V.S or V.S.O.P. If the narrowing is clearly noticeable, then such a glass is used to consume old, noble cognacs of the X.O. group.

This fundamental difference is very important for two simple reasons. Firstly, when you drink young cognac, the inhalation of the first aromas of the drink does not bring much pleasure. The fact is that these alcohols are very aggressive and have a pungent alcohol smell. Thus, they should not be kept on the surface, but it is better to give them the opportunity to erode as soon as possible. However, cognac is not vodka at all, which should be poured into a straight or even extended up glass, allowing the spirits to evaporate quickly. In this regard, the cognac glass should still at least slightly taper at the top. Therefore, when choosing glasses for young cognacs, follow just one rule: the more alcohol it contains, the wider the neck of the glass should be, and vice versa.

Secondly, when using old, noble cognacs, it makes sense to preserve their aroma as long as possible. This can be done by spherical cognac glasses, significantly narrowed towards the top. In this case, the aroma of the drink remains in the glass for a longer time, it is better concentrated and fully revealed. In general, to taste the best cognacs, tasters use glasses narrowed to a very narrow "pipe" through which harsh alcoholic smells come out, leaving a pleasant fruitiness and refinement in the glass.

Glasses for cognac category X.O. usually have a volume of 165 ml. The same volume is typical for glasses serving high quality brandy. As for the capacity of ball-shaped glasses, it is usually in the range of 70-400 ml. It should be remembered that whatever the shape and volume, the glasses are filled to the level of their widest part. A glass of cognac or brandy should be held with the whole palm, passing the leg through the fingers. You should drink the drink in small sips, feeling with each new one more warmth and peace.

Berry brandies should not be warmed in the palm of your hand. These drinks are consumed chilled. For them, tulip-shaped glasses are best suited. However, most often used to serve brandy are ball-shaped glasses - sniffers (translated from English sniff means to sniff). Their capacity is 420-480 ml, but there are also more voluminous ones. Recently, preference has been given to small glasses (up to 180 ml) with a fairly wide bottom and extended to the top. At the same time, the portions of brandy in such glasses are different: for elite brands - 20 ml, for all others - up to 50 ml.

Types and shapes of cognac glasses

Cognac is a solid drink of wealthy gentlemen and serious men. Drinking it "on the go" from plastic cups, snacking on unpretentious food "what was found in the refrigerator" is to sabotage the very idea of elite alcohol and deprive yourself of the lion's share of pleasure. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right cognac glasses. On the one hand, they should reveal taste and aroma, on the other, they should have a beautiful appearance, emphasizing the status of the owner.

Brandy (and we remember that cognac belongs precisely to this classification of alcoholic beverages) appeared a long time ago - long before the onset of the Middle Ages, and then they drank it from squat, pot-bellied cups. Apparently, even then our ancestors knew what today is known to all sommeliers and connoisseurs of aged spirits: it is this form that best contributes to the disclosure of the aroma of cognac.

Snifter - classic cognac glass

Classic glasses for cognac are called snifters, they are also "brandy glass", "balloon", "cognac balloon". These are round, tapering upward, on a short leg. Of these, it is customary to taste drinks of the X.O. category. - extra old (at least 6 years old). The older the cognac, the thinner its taste and deeper aroma. To feel all the nuances of the bouquet, the golden liquid is poured into the glass by about a quarter - to the widest point of the bowl, warmed with the warmth of the palms, allowed to properly saturate with oxygen and "breathe".

The word "snifter" itself comes from the English sniff - "to sniff", and indeed - quite often in collections of table etiquette you can see the advice: "bring a glass to your nose and carefully inhale the aroma concentrated in the upper part of the vessel."

The narrower the upper part of the snifter, the stronger the concentration of the bouquet.

The volume of these glasses for cognac varies from 70 to 700 ml, although there are also more spacious designer or souvenir models. There is an unspoken rule: the older the drink, the larger the glass should be, so that the aroma "walks" properly, but does not evaporate.

The snifter should be properly filled up to the widest point

Canonical snifters are made of thin glass or crystal. The design feature is such that even if a glass of cognac is overturned, the liquid will not spill, but remains inside. Since these glasses are intended for expensive elite alcohol, they are often decorated with gilding, inlay, and precious stones.

It is not customary to refrigerate cognac, the serving temperature should correspond to room temperature - about 18-22 degrees. Sometimes the drink is even warmed up; for this, special glasses and structures are used, one of which is shown in the photo.

Candle-heated cognac glass

Other types of cognac glasses

Tulips... The second name is cognac glasses. They are thin glasses on a high leg, shaped like a drop-down bud. These vessels are suitable for young drinks: unseasoned cognac has a rather sharp, "hitting the nose" aroma, so it is better to let it disperse a little, to become softer.

It is curious that it is tulips, and not snifters, that are very common in France, the birthplace of cognac.

Experts recommend keeping both snifters and cognac glasses in your home bar. The former are good for leisurely conversations by the fireplace with a glass of aged cognac, the latter are good for a fun feast and tasting several drinks.

Tulip (cognac glass) is more suitable for young cognacs (3-5 years old)

Wobble glass... "Wobble" is the same snifter, but without a leg, but with a pointed spike on the bottom. Such glasses cannot stand, only lie, gracefully rolling in the manner of a tumbler. Rotating around its axis, "wobble" mixes the drink, which helps the aroma to unfold in full.

Wobble - a tumbler of the cognac world

Pipe snifters("Tubular" glasses). An original hybrid of a snifter and a hookah with a long pipe. Experts assure that with such glasses the "ceremony" becomes even more refined and solemn.

Pipe snifters - cognac can also be drunk through a straw

Brandy glasses

Let's remember that cognac is also brandy. If it turns out that there are no round snifters or tulip glasses in the house, you can use good old fashion or rock glasses - shortened wide vessels with a thick bottom.

Quite often, cognac is compared to whiskey, but this is a mistake: the first drink is made from grapes, and the second from barley or corn (bourbon). However, whiskey glasses are also suitable for brandy, so in the collections of cognac specialists you can find tumblers, nousings, and even shot glasses.

Thick-bottom glasses can replace classic cognac

Famous manufacturers of cognac glasses

Sommeliers keep a whole collection of snifters at home - the masters claim that the smallest change in the shape or thickness of the glass already affects the opening of the taste. The most famous manufacturers include:

Spiegelau
Glenfarclas
Wilson & morgan
Glencairn
Friends of laphroaig
Glenlivet
Ardbeg and others.

Schott Zwiesel Pure Cognac Glass makes "non-canon" thick-walled glasses. You take such a snifter in your hands, and you understand - a thing! Neither break nor scratch.

Other manufacturers can play with leg height, bowl shape and edge thickness. This is how sophisticated models for special occasions are born.

What are cognac glasses

Cognac from the category Extra Old and Grande Reserve is "criminal" to drink in ordinary glasses. Connoisseurs of the strong drink will throw stones at the daredevils who have decided to bypass age-old traditions. To join the closed gourmet society, choose the right drinking utensils. Enjoying the tones of a fragrant bouquet and looking at the sun through a glass, you will pass for your own in the circle of true fans of the alcoholic beverage.

To feel the full aroma and taste of a noble drink, you need to properly serve it using suitable dishes.

What should be a cognac glass?

The shape, size, volume, material for making the glass - all this affects the taste and aroma of the drink. It is drunk at room temperature, and the glass is warmed with hands.

It is very important to choose a cognac glass that will fully match the aging of the alcoholic drink.

The warmth allows you to unfold 3 "waves" of the spread of the aroma.

The first is felt at a short distance from the glass.

In this case, the filled wine glass exudes light vanilla notes.

The second "wave" reveals the full palette of the distillate.

It is dominated by notes of fruit and flowers. Inhaling the aroma, you can smell the scent of walnut, coffee, roses, linden, violet and apricot.

The final "wave" is called the aging scent.

It has a complex tonality dominated by woody, spicy and resinous notes. French sommeliers talk about 54 basic shades of aroma that cognacs possess.

It is very easy for a beginner to get confused in this matter, since there is a huge variety of containers for this popular drink, they all differ in shape, volume, material and functionality.

In order for the bouquet to unfold completely, the glass must have:

wide bowl area;
tapered tapered top;
comfortable leg.

They produce glass and crystal cognac glasses. For the production of drinking utensils, thin-walled glass and rhinestone are used. The first is synthetic and the second is natural.

Cognac is an elite drink with special characteristics of taste and aroma.

The main advantage of glassware is that it transfers heat well from hands to the contents. But glasses made of glass break easily, have a heterogeneous structure and become cloudy over time.

Correctly selected cognac dishes reveal the aroma of elite alcohol and all its flavors.

Crystal does not have such thermal conductivity, but it is much stronger, more transparent and more presentable. The crystal glass is as if created for elite drinks. Manufacturers produce exclusive sets, inlaid with semiprecious stones, decorating with gold print and colorful ornaments.

A beautiful glass makes it possible to enjoy the color of the drink when consumed.

According to etiquette, drinking utensils allow:

fully open the bouquet;
feel the versatility of taste;
consider the color saturation.

The main requirement for a glass is ease of use. It should fit freely in the palm of your hand. The optimal volume ranges from 125-150 ml, but more voluminous glasses up to 800 ml are used for tastings.

Fougere emphasizes the social status of the "taster", his impeccable sense of taste.

Important! There is an unspoken rule: the longer the drink is aged, the larger the glass. In a bulky drinking container, the drink releases the aroma faster, but at the same time does not allow it to escape into the air.

What are the forms of cognac glasses and glasses?

Strong drink belongs to the brandy category. In this regard, cognac is often poured into glasses that are not intended for it. The following types belong to cognac glasses and glasses:

The shape of the cognac container is thought out to the smallest detail.

Note! Each of the listed species has a leg. Unlike its cognate, brandy, cognac is not served in glasses or similar glasses.

Many people confuse a glass and a glass. Everyone thinks that these are two names for the same vessel, but they are not. A glass is a small container on a leg, and the glass looks like a glass.

A glass or a glass with elite alcohol is very convenient to hold in your hand: the palm does not slide on the glass, but as if it is close to it.

Cognacs cannot be served in Old Fashioned Glass, Rocks glass and Nosing. All these types are intended for drinking other strong alcohol.

Old Fashion, The Rocks and Nozing resemble a glass with a thick bottom, they have no legs.

Cognac-based cocktails are allowed to be served in a tumbler. A cognac glass differs from analogs in weight, bottom thickness and shape. Round, rectangular, square, oval and triangular tumblers are available at the china shop. Often their volume ranges from 150 to 300 ml.

The snifter is recognized as a classic wine glass for cognac. This is the most recognizable and widespread type of drinking utensils.

A cognac glass can be not only a functional product for drinking alcohol, but also a special type of decor.

spherical bowl;
tapered and narrow neck;
short leg;
wide stand.

Thanks to the rounded shape and tapered top, the aroma is retained inside the vessel. No alcohol is spilled from an overturned glass. It is convenient to hold it in your hand: the walls of the glass are in contact with the palm, and the drink warms up quickly.

Knowing from what dishes cognac is drunk should not only be a competent bartender, but also a really good master of the house.

A remarkable fact! The original shape of the wine glass was adopted for the production of other goods. Today they produce vases, candy bowls, florariums and aquariums in the form of snifters.

The volume varies from 70 to 700 ml. Souvenir snifters are produced with a larger capacity. This type is intended for leisurely drinking and tasting. Cognac is poured into the bottom of the glass, filling about ¼ part. Before you taste it, peer into the shades of amber-gold intoxicating, inhale the aroma and take the first sip. Having felt the aftertaste, you can drink again and continue drinking the drink with long intervals between sips.

Snifters are containers that have a spherical bowl that tapers towards the top. The base of the glass is a short, thick stem.

The glass lives up to its name. Outwardly, it resembles a flower bud on a thin stem.

a bowl with a rounded base;
narrowed neck;
thin long leg;
the size of the stand is the same as the diameter of the neck.

The tulip is made from thin glass and crystal.

Important! In the homeland, they prefer to drink cognac from crystal glasses on a stem.

Contrary to popular belief, the French gave the palm to the tulip, not the snifter. It's all the fault of the cinema. On the blue screen, you can see another mafia, regularly drinking a strong drink from a snifter.

Thanks to the efforts of Hollywood, the image from the underworld, the snifter has become a stereotype about drinking utensils for cognac.

A distinctive feature of the tulip is its exquisite shape, which is difficult to associate with strong and brutal alcohol. It is used for drinking cognacs from the category:

Superior;
V.S.O.P. - Very Superior Old Pale;
V.O. - Very Old;
V.V.S.O.P - Very Very Superior Old Pale.

Due to its unique but simple form, the drink gives off the aroma to the inside of the bowl, where partial weathering takes place.

This marking means alcohol, the aging of which is from 3 to 5 years. These young drinks have a strong aroma that is reflected in the taste experience. Thanks to the expanding neck, the "hitting the nose" smell quickly disappears.

Due to the long leg, the drink does not warm up and allows you to constantly taste it.