Cognac, which originates from the Charente region of France, is a fine wine-based liquor enjoyed by people from all over the world for its rich and spiced taste. High-quality cognac is usually enjoyed without mixture or ice. First of all, pour a little cognac into the glass. Next, check the color and smell. Sip the cognac slowly to enjoy the taste. Lower quality cognacs can be enjoyed by blending. Popular cognac blend options are sour Sidecars, sweet French Connection, and herbal-based Stingers. Finally, enjoy a cognac or drink containing cognac along with a heavily spiced meal, a plate of delicious cheese, and a cigarette.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Enjoying Konyak Live
Step 1. Choose an older liquor
Fresh cheap cognac doesn't have the complexity or taste of old cognac. Choose a medium class cognac of Very Superior Old Pale (VSOP) or luxury cognacs such as Extra Old (XO).
- VSOP cognac must be at least 4 years old.
- XO cognac must be at least 6 years old. Luxury cognac brands can be 20 years old or more.
Step 2. Use a tulip glass, balloon glass, or liquor glass
The right type of glass will help warm the cognac and carry the aroma to the top of the glass. If you don't have a tulip glass, balloon glass, or liquor glass, use a regular wine glass.
- Tulip cups are long glasses shaped like bells. This shape makes the aroma of cognac collect on its surface.
- The balloon cup has a large body and a small stem. This glass allows you to warm the cognac evenly.
- The liquor glass looks like a balloon glass without a stem. The glass is difficult to place, so you have to hold it in your hand and keep the cognac at room temperature.
Step 3. Warm the cognac
First, pour 22 ml of cognac into a glass. Next, hold the glass in your hand so that your body temperature can warm the cognac. This will make the cognac more delicious and strengthen the aroma. Warm the cognac for 8 to 10 minutes before drinking it.
Step 4. Check the color
Look at the cognac surface to identify the color you see. If necessary, place the glass in the light of a lamp to see the color change. The more cognac you examine and drink, the easier it will be for you to tell the quality of coke just by looking at it.
- A faint one-dimensional brown color indicates the cognac was recently made.
- The dark, layered color of the cognac with touches of gold and amber indicates an older cognac. The darker color is the result of a longer deposition process in the vat.
Step 5. Smell the cognac
Gently shake the glass to stimulate the coke. Next, raise the glass to your nose and take a deep breath. Try to identify the different scents in the cognac. With practice, you will be able to identify a high-quality coke easily just by its scent.
- Young cognac has a strong floral or fruity smell with a hint of spice.
- Old cognac has many layers of aroma. For example, expensive cognacs usually have a strong spiced aroma with hints of vanilla and nuts.
Step 6. Taste the cognac
Take a small sip of coke and hold it in your mouth. Gargle with coke to try to identify the flavors in it. Once you have enjoyed the overall taste of the cognac, you can swallow it. Continue to drink the cognac little by little, while checking the resulting taste in the mouth.
- Cheaper cognacs often have strong fruit flavors such as raisins, apricots, oranges, or lemons.
- Mid-range cognacs usually have a rose or clover-leaf scent.
- Expensive cognacs have many flavors, but these drinks usually have a spiced aroma, such as nutmeg, cinnamon, or coffee.
Method 2 of 3: Mixing the Cognac
Step 1. Choose an inexpensive cognac
If you use expensive cognac as a blend, the rest of the drink will take away the richness and softness of the cognac flavour. However, young cognac does not have the depth of taste like old cognac. therefore, this drink is a perfect choice to be mixed with other ingredients. Choose a Very Superior (VS) or Very Superior Old Pale (VSOP) cognac.
- Konyak VS 2 years old. This cognac is the cheapest.
- VSOP cognac is up to 4 years old. This type of cognac is quite inexpensive and can be mixed or enjoyed directly.
Step 2. Enjoy the French Connection cocktail
This cocktail is known for its striking almond flavor. First of all, choose an old style glass. Then, fill the glass with drink ingredients and add some ice cubes. Use a long spoon to stir the drink several times before serving it. Drink ingredients needed are:
- 44 ml cognac
- 30 ml Amaretto liquor
Step 3. Make a glass of Sidecar
This drink has a refreshing citrus aroma. First, fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Next, pour the drink ingredients into the tube. Put the lid on and shake it for 10 seconds. Pour the mixture into a martini glass and serve the drink with a squeeze of lemon. To make a drink, make a combination of:
- 22 ml Cointreau
- 22 ml lemon juice
- 44 ml cognac
Step 4. Drink Stinger
Stinger has a strong herbal scent. First, mix 2 sprigs of mint in the bottom of a large metal bottle. After that, fill the cocktail shaker with ice and add the drink mix ingredients. Close the shaker and beat for a few seconds. Pour the drink mixture into a tall glass of ice and serve the drink with a garnish of mint leaves. The ingredients in question are:
- 30 ml Campari liquor
- 30 ml cognac
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.2 ml) maple syrup
Method 3 of 3: Enjoying Cognac with Food
Step 1. Serve the cognac with a strong flavored meal
A touch of soft floral aroma is suitable to be paired with strong flavored food, and is able to bring out the richness of the taste of the food served. When serving cognac, pair the drink with:
- Duck Confit
- Various types of pâtés, such as pâté du foie gras
- Tomato-based pasta that stands out for its flavor
- Roasts
Step 2. Enjoy the cognac with a plate of cheese
A plate of cheese is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a salty dessert. There are various types of cheese that are delicious eaten with various types of cognac. Top 2-3 slices of cheese with fresh and dried fruit, baked beans, crackers, and seasoned meats.
- VS cognac pairs well with creamy cheeses like Roquefort cheese and mascarpone.
- The VSOP cognac tastes great with “mature” flavored cheeses such as aged cheddar and gouda cheese.
- XO cognac goes well with Mimolette cheese with a nutty flavor and a tangy parmesan cheese.
Step 3. Enjoy your cognac with a cigar
Traditionally, expensive cognac is usually enjoyed after dinner with a quality cigar. First, pour the cognac and warm the drink in your hands. After that, light the cigar. Smoke the cigar while sipping the occasional coke.
When choosing a cigar, match the taste with the cognac. For example, pair a soft-flavored cognac with a mild-flavored cigar as well
Warning
- Drink cognac in moderation. Consuming too much alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning which can lead to death.
- If you notice someone has alcohol poisoning, call the local emergency number as soon as possible.
