Cognac is all about the aroma, so you want to do everything you everything you can to maximize this. If you've got the tulip-shaped wineglasses, those are preferable, as they have more evaporation surface, but narrow at the top to maximize the aroma. You can also use a regular brandy glass, the key thing is to have a glass that you can cup your hand under to gradually warm the cognac before drinking it. Store at room temperature. Keep it corked except for when you're pouring it. And Rem Martin isn't the most expensive brand, you're right, but cognacs have a lot of controls and even a medium-grade cognac will be pretty good. With an XO, it's also acceptable (and damn tasty) to mix it with coffee.
|