The high status of Hennessy cognac obliges to drink it correctly, according to the developed traditions. Without classical rituals the cognac recognized as the best in the world turns into drinking of usual forty-degree alcohol.
Correct glass
That the taste and aroma of Hennessy cognac revealed most fully, the correct glass is necessary. It has to be thin-walled, wide, roundish below and narrowed to top. Such type of a glass has the name "tulip" since it is externally similar to the revealing flower. Thanks to this form, drink gives the aroma most brightly. Concentrating and being late at glass edges, he (aroma) allows the true judge to enjoy rich scale of shades.
By the way, about two decades ago fans of "Hennessy" preferred to drink it from a snifter – a glass of spherical shape on a short leg. The glass well laid down in a palm, but, according to judges of cognac, disseminated a part of the vapors exhaled by noble fragrant drink. And here the tulip is capable to concentrate aroma better. Disputes on this subject are conducted and today, true supporters of "Hennessy", as a rule, are conservative also the changes concerning traditions accept reluctantly.
Catch three waves of aroma
"Hennessy" is served at a temperature slightly above room. In a glass pour so much drink that its top level kind of noted the widest part of a glass (≈30-40 ml). Even in a bad dream won't dream the true judge of "Hennessy" that it overturns contents in a throat one drink because it is not vodka, it isn't drunk under pickle in a volley. The fan of the well-known cognac by all means will enjoy at first a play of aroma. Judges speak about three waves of aroma of "Hennessy". The first settles down at the level of 5-7 cm from a glass edge, in it it is possible to catch gentle tone of caramel and vanilla. The place of the second wave – at the exit from a glass where it is narrowest, saturated notes of fruit and flowers, and in "Extra Old Hennessy" reveal here (Hennessy X.O.) also presence of autumn shades – the fallen-down foliage and the having a rest earth is felt. Only experienced judges of "Hennessy" since it is rather deep, extremely delicate and fine aromas of almonds, a chestnut and an oak can fully catch and feel the third wave.
Feel unearthly taste
While the fan of "Hennessy" enjoys aroma, drink manages to heat up slightly in his hand. There comes the most suitable time to take the first small sip which, having extended on all mouth, allows "grasp" all receptors true taste most fully. This moment tasters call "quene de paon" that "the tail of a peacock" means. And indeed, the taste of "Hennessy", like plumage of the main decoration of a royal bird, reveals and as if increases in volume, at the same time becoming more transparent, thin. Rich shades of taste play and are poured, and tasting divine moisture receives improbable on force pleasure. Continue to sip cognac follows same. Slowly, savouring and being blissfully happy.
Tradition of three "With"
It is about snack. It is clear, that cognac as, however, and all hard alcoholic beverages, demands its presence. Three "With" is coffee, cognac, cigar (coffee, cognac, a cigar). Someone adds the fourth "With" - chocolat (chocolate) and even the fifth – citron (lemon), but it already on the fan. The combination of three "With" is around the world recognized as the most successful combination of tastes: after a small cup of coffee slowly to enjoy cognac, and then also slowly to smoke a good cigar. And if treat Hennessy, the fourth "With" admirers, tolerantly, then don't recognize the fifth categorically. In their strong opinion to offer to cognac a lemon (even strewed with icing sugar and ground coffee) – unacceptable nonsense because the persistent smell and pronounced taste of a sour citrus will kill a fine bouquet of the well-known cognac. However, it is difficult to present those who don't welcome hard alcoholic beverages and a coma how it is possible to enjoy cognac, can have a snack on its "soft" fruit (for example, peaches) and also dishes and products which possess a neutral mild flavor and a smell (some grades of cheeses, pastes, etc.). It is admissible even to dilute cognac with a natural juice. The owner of TM "Hennessy" Maurice Richard of Hennessy says that the women or young people who didn't get used to hard liquors can do it. He is convinced that this cognac is so elegant and independent substance that it a priori can't be spoiled. While the mix with a natural juice significantly expands audience of admirers of Hennessy.