By | Shital Kakkar Mehra | Executive Presence Coach for CEOs I Business Communication Expert I Best-selling Author I Co-Founder Katalyst, NGO
Cognac is a variety of brandy which is named after the place called Cognac situated in France. Cognac is luxurious brandy and it is enjoyed because of its rich and spiced flavor. It is made from Saint-Emilion, specified grapes known for the quality. The brandy is distilled in copper pot stills atleast 2 times and aged in the same way as whiskies and wine i.e. at least 2 years.
The cognac lovers prefer to the given protocol for choosing, mixing and engaging with cognac to enjoy it to the fullest.
Choosing Right Cognacs: It starts with choosing the right cognac for its flavor and complexity. The varieties ranges from mid aged to luxurious aged (4 years to 6 years).
Appropriate glassware: The interest of choosing right glassware is to warm the cognac and funnel the rich aromas to the top of the glass. We need to choose any of the varieties of glassware as suggested like tulip, balloon or a regular glass which is used for wine.
Mixing: The cognac lovers mix it with Amaretto liquor or Cointreau and lemon juice or Campari liquor and maple syrup for better experience. We can try it with any of these.
Flavors and Aroma: We need to take a very small portion of cognac (about 25 ml) first into our glass. Then we have to hold it into the hands for about 8 to 10 minutes before drinking it. Basically, it helps to warm it slowly with the temperature of the body for enhancing the flavors and aromas.
Assessing the Quality: We can assess the quality of cognac by looking through the surface of the cognac. If the color is light means it is a younger cognac. Whereas, the dark layered colors indicate an older cognac. Other than the color the quality can also be examined through the taste as younger cognacs taste fruity and bit spicy and older cognacs with layers of smells.
Enjoying the taste: By swirling the glass slowly and taking a small sip, we can experience strong fruity flavors or floral rose or a variety of flavors depends on the type of cognac we choose.
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Republished with permission and originally published at Shital Kakkar Mehra’s LinkedIn
