Buying Snifters…

Karen, my father likes Cognac and Armagnac.  I’m thinking of getting him some big balloon snifters for Father’s Day.  Are those the best glasses for distilled spirits?

Impressive as they may appear, balloon snifters are far from ideal for drinking fine Cognac and Armagnac.  Such snifters dissipate the brandies’ aromas, meanwhile propelling alcohol vapors toward the taster.  In the Cognac and Armagnac regions, the preferred glass is a relatively small (it should be easy to cradle in your hand) chimney shaped glass with a thin rim.  And all the Hollywood portrayals to the contrary, neither the glass nor the spirit should be warmed over a flame; direct heating discombobulates the brandies’ aromas and flavors.  (Gently warming these spirits by cupping the glass in your hands is harmless).

— Karen

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