Customer Reviews

Riedel Vinum Cognac-Hennessy Glasses, Set of 6

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The three senses that partake in the enjoyment of cognac or armagnac: sight, taste, and smell are indulged by this glass. The amber of the brandy shines through brillantly in this crystal clear glass -- the narrower (compared to a traditional balloon) profile allows for a given quantity of cognac to reach higher up the side of the glass thus allowing a more "complete" view of the color. The flared edge delivers the cognac to the front and sides of the tongue where the "sweet" regions reside. Finally, the tulip shape ensures that the aroma of cognac is delivered to the nose without any of the alcoholic fumes.

Oh, and the lovely pinging made by the crystal during the toast only enhances the experience.

If you try a nice Cognac or brandy from this glass, I guarantee you'll never use a snifter again. The tulip shape of this glass slows down the rapid evaporation of alcohol that most tasters associate with a "burning" in their nostrils. This glass highlights the wonderful orange peel, spice, vanilla, caramel, etc. of your Cognac. Try your favorite Cognac in this glass right next to the same Cognac in a snifter and you'll be convinced!

I now refuse to have an after-dinner Cognac in restaurants now because I can not stand to drink a fine Cognac from poor glassware. Thanks to Riedel, the bulbous brandy snifter is a concept whose time has passed.

I bought, at the same time, this glass as well as the snifter from Riedel. I think I've used the snifter twice, usually when I ran out of the Hennessey glass, and then I gave it to people I don't like. The subtlety that this glass brings out of liquors is truly amazing, far from the straight-forward burn I associate with the snifter. I use it frequently for Armagnac, Cognac, and Calvados. I've even taken to using it with Tequila and single malt Scotches. It looks highly specialized (and is named after 1 brand of Cognac, which seems odd), but is actually extremely versatile, and will soon be one of your favorites. It is also remarkably beautiful, as has been pointed out.

Of all the Riedel glasses we have, this is by far the prettiest. While it is made for cognac, we find that this glass is great for sherry. The lip on the glass makes sipping enjoyable. We refrigerate our sherry so we can serve it cold.