It’s an ideal pair on many occasions. Whether you like your cognac by yourself, or in a company, the act of relishing it takes form in many ways.
We’re here to help you get the most out of this versatile drink!
Straight cognac
If you take your cognac without ice or mixers, then go for an old one, aged for at least four years. The younger cognacs don’t possess the flavor or the complexity of the older ones. You should choose XO (Extra Old), aged for a minimum of six years, or VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale), aged for at least four years.
Pour a small amount into your glass and examine the aroma and color. Sip it slowly and hold it the mouth to relish its flavors. When you identify its different flavors, swallow it. Expensive and old cognacs have many flavors, but spiced notes like nutmeg, coffee, and cinnamon are most prominent.
Mixed cognac
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Don’t use expensive cognacs in your mixed drinks; the other ingredients will cover the mellow, rich flavors. Choose younger, inexpensive cognacs, or mid-range ones. They go perfectly in cocktails. Popular choices are French Connection (with Amaretto liquor), Sidecar (with Cointreau and lemon juice), and Stinger (with Campari liquor and maple syrup).
How to serve – the glass
The glass shapes your tasting experience. You can use wobble snifter, tulip, or balloon glass. Naturally, you should use tumbler or cocktail glasses for your mixed drinks. If you drink it on ice, serve it in a tumbler glass that has room for 2 ice cubes. In this way, you can hold it in your hand, making it easier to drink and smell.
Wobble snifter is difficult to set down, so you’ll hold it in your hand. This will bring the cognac to the right temperature. Tulip glass is like a long wine glass. Its shape allows the rich cognac aromas to distillate on its surface. Balloon glass has a short stem and a large body, allowing you to warm the cognac equally.
It’s important to warm the cognac for about 10 minutes before drinking it. The proper glass will help you warm it and intensify its aromas.
Pairing cognac
Food pairing
The cognac’s mellow floral note pairs perfectly with rich foods. It cuts through the richness and brings out the bright flavors. You can easily pair it with roasted meats, tomato-based pasta, or a duck confit.
Also, decadent cheese plates are excellent as snacks, appetizers, or a piquant “dessert.” Different cheeses taste well with different cognac’s ages. Aged parmesan and Roquefort cheeses, with their full-bodied and spicy flavors, pair wonderfully with XO cognacs. VSOP cognac pairs well with mature hard cheeses like aged Gouda and cheddar.
It’s best to arrange a plate with two kinds of cheeses, cured meats, fresh and dried fruit, crackers, and roasted nuts.
Cigar pairing
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A person enjoying a glass of cognac and a smoldering cigar is an image of sophistication and style. And, if you get the combination right, you’ll enhance the enjoyment of both. The older the cognac – the better will the pairing be. When choosing the cigar, try to match the cognac flavors. For instance, pair a mild-flavored cigar with a mellow cognac.
Our favorite choice is VSOP cognac and Macanudo Café cigar. The flavorful and smooth cognac with its fruit and honey notes makes the perfect mate for the similar smooth Macanudo cigar.