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Cognac is one of the most complex spirits in the world. The complexity gives it a rich aromatic profile in which fruits and flowers are mixed with spices. The temperature of cognac is very important before serving – mistakes in this matter can significantly spoil the impression of the drink. Cold muffles aromatic notes, and heat reveals them to the fullest. Sommeliers are well aware of how to use the right serving to ensure that guests enjoy the drink, even if it is not of perfect quality.
Effect of Temperature on Cognac
The taste of cognac directly depends on the aging time. Long maturation in barrels saturates the brandy with fruity and nutty notes. Essential components constantly evaporate during aging in barrels. At the moment the drink enters the glass, the process does not stop, and under the influence of temperature, the aromatic notes begin to unfold. You need to know the right moment when the components are completely mixed and the bouquet becomes perfect. Competent tasters are able to cool at the right time to mute the mediocre notes in the drink and make it better than it actually is when served.
The aroma and taste of old cognacs are best revealed at room temperature. Drinks over 6 years old are served in snifter glasses, where it is easier to warm the drink with the warmth of the palms. Only then can you appreciate all the subtleties of the bouquet and enjoy the drink. True connoisseurs for this purpose use a special design, where the glass is heated by a small candle. It is believed that the optimal supply of aged cognac is + 22-25 ° C.
In chilled drinks, sour fruit flavors are more pronounced, in warmed drinks it is easier to distinguish alcohol notes. An analogy can be drawn here with wine. Bartenders have entire tables with the temperatures for serving various drinks, while Pinot Noir and Bordeaux will have a difference of only a few degrees. However, it is believed that for tasting characteristics, the temperature index is crucial. In red wines, heat tends to emphasize acidity; in white wines, tannins are smoothed out with cold.
At what temperature should cognac be served?
The temperature of serving cognac is rarely prompted by the seller in the store. In most cases, the numbers you need are on the label. It is generally accepted that the optimal room temperature for serving, but a lot depends on the climate.
Heat is detrimental to cognac – heating above +25 ° C will spoil the taste and highlight alcohol notes, and cold below +15 ° C will muffle the bouquet and reduce the pleasure of the drink. If there is no information on the recommended serving on the bottle, be guided by the age of the cognac. Younger varieties should be cooled somewhat, aged varieties should be warmed up a little.
It is customary to taste cognac from a glass with a short stem and a wide bottom – a snifter. It is believed that this form is a legacy of the past, when the drink was brought directly from the cellar, where the cold temperature was maintained. The wide bowl helped to quickly warm the contents with the warmth of the hands or with the help of a candle. Today, snifters have become part of the tradition, as they are associated with the tasting process.
Alternative opinion
Sommeliers from Rémy Martin advise not to be afraid to experiment and even recommend drinking their VSOP cognacs with ice or frozen. Extremely low temperature makes the structure of the drink oily, so the aromas are revealed much longer. In this case, the best choice would be a glass with a thick bottom, which transmits heat worse. Cognac with ice is served in a wide glass, 2-3 cubes will help you better feel the fresh fruit flavors of the drink.
Cognac storage temperature
Store cognac is best in the cellar. Unlike medieval times, modern equipment makes it possible to set the optimum temperature in the room, so you don’t have to warm up the drink with a candle. However, in any case, the bottle must be brought in advance so that the drink has time to reach room temperature.
It is not recommended to put cognac in the refrigerator, as this method of storage negatively affects the essential components. Protect the bottle from the sun, and if you take cognac outdoors, be sure to wrap it in a damp towel and place it away from sunlight.