Cognac, as an elegant and noble liquor, is also very particular about its unique way of drinking. The right way to drink it can make the cognac richer and fuller, while the wrong way to drink it can ruin its original flavor. Below, we will detail how to properly taste and enjoy cognac.
First, the choice of barware.
To enjoy cognac, you first need to choose the right barware. The best wine glass is a tulip glass with a narrow mouth and a wide belly, which allows for better concentration of cognac aromas and at the same time makes it easier for the taster to smell the wine. The glass should be made of crystal or glass, so as not to have any effect on the taste of the wine.
Second, the temperature of the wine.
The ideal serving temperature for cognac is between 15-20 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is too low, it will affect the aroma and taste of the wine;If the temperature is too high, it will make the wine coarse. Before tasting, it is best to leave the cognac at room temperature for a while or warm it by gently holding the glass in the palm of your hand.
3. Drinking skills.
Colour: Pour the cognac into a tulip glass and observe the colour. Premium cognac has a deep amber or pale gold color with a crystal clear.
Nose: Gently rotate the glass to allow the wine to ripple on the walls of the glass, then slowly bring your nose closer to the rim and take a deep breath to feel the rich aroma of cognac. At first smell, you may feel fruity and floral aromas, while when you smell carefully, you can experience woody and smoky aromas.
Taste: Take a small sip of the cognac and let the liquor flow slowly in your mouth, feeling its mellow taste and rich flavor. When the liquor enters the throat, you will feel a warm current flowing down your esophagus, bringing a comforting feeling.
Aftertaste: After swallowing the liquor, close your mouth and feel the lingering aftertaste. A good cognac finish should be long and pleasant.
Food pairing: Cognac is suitable with fatty meats, desserts, etc., because its rich taste neutralizes the oiliness of food. Of course, you can also drink it neat to savor its unique flavor.
4. Precautions.
Don't add ice: Many people like to add ice when drinking spirits, but it's not a good choice for cognac. Ice cubes will dilute the wine and reduce its original rich flavor. If you feel that the temperature of the wine is too high, you can put the wine glass in cold water to cool it down for a short time.
Do not mix with other drinks: When tasting cognac, do not mix it with other drinks. Again, this is to avoid destroying its original taste and aroma. Try taking a sip of water to clean your mouth after tasting cognac so that you can better feel the taste of the next wine.
Don't overeat: when tasting cognac, you should taste it slowly, not in one sitting. At the same time, it is also necessary to avoid overeating when drinking, so as not to affect the taste and evaluation of alcohol.
Drink in moderation: Although cognac is a good liquor, it also needs to be consumed in moderation. Excessive consumption may affect health and safety.
To taste and enjoy cognac properly, certain skills and precautions need to be mastered. With the above introduction, I believe you have a deeper understanding of how to taste cognac correctly. The next time you share a cognac with friends or family, try these ways to enjoy this elegant and exclusive taste