Serving and Enjoying

Glassware Matters

- Tulip glass: Concentrates aromas - Snifter: Traditional but less ideal - Grappa glass: Good for eau-de-vie - Avoid: Wide brandy balloons

Temperature

- Room temperature: Traditional - Slightly cool: Often better - Never heated: Destroys delicate aromas - Ice: Your choice, ignore snobs

Food Pairings

- Cognac: Cigars, dark chocolate, blue cheese - Armagnac: Foie gras, prunes, aged Comté - Calvados: Apple desserts, Norman cheeses - Eau-de-vie: End of meal, cleanse palate

Cocktail Applications

- Sidecar: Cognac's classic - Vieux Carré: Cognac meets rye - Jack Rose: Calvados showcase - Armagnac Sour: Underused delight