Chef & Sommelier
Cognac glasses
Which glass should you choose for tasting Cognac? This question is a subject of debate within the Cognac enthusiasts' club. While there isn't really an ideal Cognac glass for tasting your grand cru from Grande Champagne or Petite Champagne, a few pointers here could help you in y... Which glass should you choose for tasting Cognac? This question is a subject of debate within the Cognac enthusiasts' club. While there isn't really an ideal Cognac glass for tasting your grand cru from Grande Champagne or Petite Champagne, a few pointers here could help you in your choices and thus prevent you from resorting to a simple liqueur or aperitif glass, which would not allow you to enjoy your precious spirit under optimal conditions. As with wine, tasting Cognac follows a rigorous ritual. The first step of this tasting begins with observing the Cognac. In order to appreciate all its roundness, the "legs" (or tears), and also the amber notes of its color, it is essential to choose a glass of absolute purity and transparency. Otherwise, a colored or insufficiently transparent glass would distort the visual qualities of your precious brandy and would not allow you to effectively observe its full range of colors and nuances. Furthermore, it is generally recommended to choose a stemmed Cognac glass. This allows for a better grip during tasting. It is thus possible to hold the glass by the stem or base in order to bring it to your eyes and observe it without your fingers spoiling the view. As for the shape of your Cognac glass, the debate is lively among enthusiasts. Generally, professionals, such as the Cellar Masters, more often opt for a tulip-shaped glass, that is, a glass whose bowl is wide at the base and narrower at the top. This shape has the double advantage of providing a sufficiently large oxygenation surface (the surface of the Cognac in contact with the air) to enhance the aromas of the Cognac while concentrating them at the top of the glass to fully enjoy them during the tasting. But there are many different tulip-shaped cognac glasses, and they are not all created equal... A tulip glass that is too narrow would not allow your cognac to express all its aromas because the oxygenation surface would be too limited. The ideal solution is therefore to opt for a glass with a chimney at the top of the bowl. This chimney allows for a significant narrowing of the wall at the top of the bowl, while maintaining a large aromatic chamber at the bottom of the glass. The aromas are thus released and enhanced, then concentrated at the top of the glass during tasting. A second trend, strongly rooted among cognac enthusiasts, concerns the balloon glass. Round and generous, generally very wide, it is appreciated for its ability to oxygenate spirits and effectively release the complex aromas of cognacs. But be careful, a balloon glass that is too wide and/or too large could easily over-oxygenate your cognac and alter its aromatic structure, or even allow the aromas to escape. It is therefore essential to choose a balloon cognac glass with a capacity not exceeding 30 to 35 cl and offering a reasonable oxygenation surface. If you are a cognac lover, whether you prefer a tulip-shaped cognac glass or a balloon cognac glass, you will find a wide selection of high-quality glasses designed for tasting on La Table d’Arc. Durable, technical, and affordable, our designer Cristal d’Arques or more classic Chef&Sommelier cognac glasses guarantee quality at the best price! Also discover: Whisky Glasses Rum Glasses Shot Glasses Whisky Decanters
