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Cognac & Brandy Glasses – choosing the right glass for aroma and flavor
Read more Here you’ll find a carefully curated selection of cognac and brandy glasses. The terminology may vary, but what truly matters is the shape of the glass and how it enhances the drinking experience.
The classic cognac glass features a large, rounded bowl with a narrower rim. This generous shape allows aromas to develop fully while balancing the complex flavors of the spirit. The glass is designed to be held from below, letting the warmth of your hand gently heat the cognac and release its rich aromas.
Read more If you prefer a smaller, more focused glass, a tulip-shaped tasting glass is an excellent alternative. Often used for whisky tastings, this shape also works beautifully for cognac, brandy, and rum. The narrower opening concentrates aromas and delivers a more precise tasting experience. The collection includes cognac and brandy glasses from renowned glassmakers such as Orrefors, Kosta Boda, Riedel, Spiegelau, Lehmann, Zalto, and Krosno. The range offers both classic and modern designs, suited to different preferences and occasions. Ultimately, the best cognac glass is the one that suits your taste. With the right glass, aromas, flavors, and overall enjoyment are enhanced—whether you’re savoring cognac, brandy, whisky, or rum.

Which glass is best for cognac, brandy, and rum?
Choosing the right glass for cognac, brandy, or rum makes a significant difference to both flavor and aroma. The shape of the glass influences how aromas develop, how the drink feels on the palate, and the overall experience. With the right glass, a good spirit can become truly exceptional.
Which glass should be used for cognac and brandy?
Cognac and brandy are traditionally served in a cognac glass with a large, rounded bowl and a short stem. The wide bowl allows aromas to develop, while the slightly tapered rim concentrates the scents.
The glass is designed to be held in the hand, allowing the warmth of your palm to gently heat the spirit. This releases additional aromas and creates a smoother, more complex flavor profile.
How much cognac or brandy should you pour?
A common recommendation is around 6–8 cl (2–2.5 oz), depending on the size of the glass. Cognac and brandy benefit from ample space in the glass so aromas and flavors can fully develop.
Can you drink cognac with ice or water?
Traditionally, cognac is enjoyed without ice. However, a small drop of water can help open up aromas and soften the taste. Ice cubes are rarely recommended, as they quickly chill and dilute the spirit, potentially muting both flavor and aroma.
Does cognac go bad?
An unopened bottle of cognac or brandy does not go bad as long as it is stored cool and away from light. Unlike wine, cognac does not age further in the bottle. Once opened, the flavor may slowly change over time, but with proper storage it will remain enjoyable for many years.
What is the difference between cognac and whisky?
Cognac and brandy are made from grapes, giving them a natural fruitiness with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, pear, chocolate, and nuts. Whisky, on the other hand, is made from grains and can develop smoky or malty characteristics—flavors that cognac never has. Cognac is often perceived as smoother, rounder, and more elegant.
Which glass is best for rum?
A good rum glass often has a tulip shape—wider at the base and narrower at the top. This allows the rum to breathe while concentrating aromas, enhancing sweetness, spice, and complexity.
Rum glasses with a slightly smaller bowl are particularly well suited for premium rums meant to be sipped slowly. The glass highlights the character of the rum, whether you prefer a bold, spicy style or a softer, sweeter profile.
Cognac glass or rum glass – which should you choose?
Cognac glass: larger bowl, ideal for aromatic and complex spirits
Tulip-shaped tasting glass: more focused experience, excellent for rum, cognac, and whisky
Many enthusiasts use the same tasting glass for several types of spirits—a versatile choice for those who appreciate nuance.
The right glass enhances the experience
Whether you enjoy cognac, brandy, or rum, the right glass makes a noticeable difference. Shape, size, and balance all influence aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel.
Explore different glass styles and find the one that suits you best. When glass and spirit work together, every sip becomes an experience worth savoring.
Which glass is best for cognac, brandy, and rum?
Choosing the right glass for cognac, brandy, or rum makes a significant difference to both flavor and aroma. The shape of the glass influences how aromas develop, how the drink feels on the palate, and the overall experience. With the right glass, a good spirit can become truly exceptional.
Which glass should be used for cognac and brandy?
Cognac and brandy are traditionally served in a cognac glass with a large, rounded bowl and a short stem. The wide bowl allows aromas to develop, while the slightly tapered rim concentrates the scents.
The glass is designed to be held in the hand, allowing the warmth of your palm to gently heat the spirit. This releases additional aromas and creates a smoother, more complex flavor profile.
How much cognac or brandy should you pour?
A common recommendation is around 6–8 cl (2–2.5 oz), depending on the size of the glass. Cognac and brandy benefit from ample space in the glass so aromas and flavors can fully develop.
Can you drink cognac with ice or water?
Traditionally, cognac is enjoyed without ice. However, a small drop of water can help open up aromas and soften the taste. Ice cubes are rarely recommended, as they quickly chill and dilute the spirit, potentially muting both flavor and aroma.
Does cognac go bad?
An unopened bottle of cognac or brandy does not go bad as long as it is stored cool and away from light. Unlike wine, cognac does not age further in the bottle. Once opened, the flavor may slowly change over time, but with proper storage it will remain enjoyable for many years.
What is the difference between cognac and whisky?
Cognac and brandy are made from grapes, giving them a natural fruitiness with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, pear, chocolate, and nuts. Whisky, on the other hand, is made from grains and can develop smoky or malty characteristics—flavors that cognac never has. Cognac is often perceived as smoother, rounder, and more elegant.
Which glass is best for rum?
A good rum glass often has a tulip shape—wider at the base and narrower at the top. This allows the rum to breathe while concentrating aromas, enhancing sweetness, spice, and complexity.
Rum glasses with a slightly smaller bowl are particularly well suited for premium rums meant to be sipped slowly. The glass highlights the character of the rum, whether you prefer a bold, spicy style or a softer, sweeter profile.
Cognac glass or rum glass – which should you choose?
Cognac glass: larger bowl, ideal for aromatic and complex spirits
Tulip-shaped tasting glass: more focused experience, excellent for rum, cognac, and whisky
Many enthusiasts use the same tasting glass for several types of spirits—a versatile choice for those who appreciate nuance.
The right glass enhances the experience
Whether you enjoy cognac, brandy, or rum, the right glass makes a noticeable difference. Shape, size, and balance all influence aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel.
Explore different glass styles and find the one that suits you best. When glass and spirit work together, every sip becomes an experience worth savoring.