Poker Cognac

Would you like a glass of Cognac?

The experience of what you drink includes almost every variable you can imagine. Time and place, your ability to experience nuances, are you fit or tired, hungry or full - and finally - your mental condition is crucial for the result. But probably the most essential variable is what you are drinking from.

A little sip from a pocket flask tastes very different than cognac from a perfectly shaped glass. The premises for experiencing the quality of cognac by using the correct glass is the same as with wine. It is about giving all the volatile substances that constitutes the taste and the fragrances a possibility to be released. The fragrances are an important part of the whole picture. A glass that has a tulip shaped form will enable our nose to collect various scent impressions and even the most volatile nuances. It is not about vanity, try it yourself and you will experience the difference. Compare cognac served in a real cognac glass with cognac served in a regular glass; it’s a world of difference.

The world wide balloon shaped cognac glass has its weaknesses. The only place you don’t find that glass is at the cognac producer’s location. A key requirement for a professional cognac taster is to be able to recognize all the components of the cognac in the glass. A balloon shaped glass, especially a large one, emphasizes some fragrances while it hides away many fine nuances.

Alcohol sting in your nose is common if you stick your nose too deep into the glass and take a deep breath. If you are able to “smell behind” the alcohol, the aromas from the oak barrels will be more prominent than the elegant odours from soil and grapes. If you have a very elegant cognac, a narrower tulip shaped glass that is not too big will do justice in proportion to the price you paid for the cognac. The alcohol will be less prominent, and the odours from fruit and flowers will step forward and introduce themselves in balance with the often spicy and complex aromas that storing in oak barrels provides. If you are going to buy cognac glasses and prefer a balloon shaped glass, try to stay away from glasses with half a litre size or a thimble size.

Cognac serving temperature

Cognac serving temperature is also important. Regular room temperature is enough to conjure up the best flavours in the cognac. If it gets warmer, the alcohol will be too dominant. The balance in those components that form taste and odour will be destroyed. If the cognac is too cold, warm it slightly in your hand to bring forward the best taste and aromas. Never warm your cognac with a flame, by putting your glass above your coffee cup or other fanciful devices.

When to enjoy a glass of cognac?

The most obvious occasion would probably be after dinner, although it’s tempting to say that cognac can be enjoyed “every time”. A good glass of cognac after a meal adds a new dimension to your world, and it’s also quite common that these noble drops are accompanied by a cup of coffee.

A cigar is also a classical match to both the coffee and the cognac, but be aware that they often can steal a little bit from each other instead of complementing each other. But all three together can offer incredible well-being after a large meal. If you are going to let a cigar accompany your cognac, you should choose a cognac with heavy character rather than a more light and elegant one since the cigar may suppress the expensive drops in your glass. If you do not enjoy cigars, a dark chocolate can also be nice companion to your cognac and coffee.

In summary, a top quality cognac does not have to be accompanied by something else, it will stand well alone and can be a worthy adventure to a whole new world.