Guide to Choosing the Best Brandy Glasses

Enjoying a glass of fine aromatic brandy, accompanied by a pleasant, lively discussion and some fragrant cigar smoke, can easily be one of the most satisfying experiences after a long day or as a way of entertaining company. A setup of this sort breathes sophistication and elegance, and there isn't much else to be done to improve it. Or is there?

Think about brandy glasses. The vessel that carries your favourite drink can have a crucial part in the overall experience. Appreciating brandy is almost a form of art - where the serving process, as well as the drinking process, both require some showmanship. Starting from pouring the drink at a right angle, and then to the release of the bouquet of aromas - it is a process to be savoured and enjoyed with all your senses. Choosing the right types of brandy glasses can further enrich an already wonderful experience. Keep reading to emerge in the world of intense, complex flavours, memorable aromas and eye-catching colours - all poured together in one of these amazing brandy snifters.

Types of Brandy Glasses

Your chosen type of brandy glass plays multiple roles in the broad brandy experience. A proper design of the brandy glass should manage to direct the scents to all the right places - your nose, mouth and palate, as well as fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, absorbing its warmth for a continuous aromatic distribution.

The different types of brandy glasses are actually called brandy snifters or brandy inhalers. Their first appearance to the world is around the 16th century - much later than the brandy itself - which is known to have been enjoyed since the 12th century. It will come as no surprise that the brandy snifters went through some design changes during the last 5 centuries, and we are here to familiarise you with the details of them all. Let’s begin.

The Classic Brandy Snifter 

Probably the most popular and most commonly used - the classic brandy snifter certainly earned its favour. This sophisticated friend of booze will charm any brandy enthusiast. The bulbous bowl allows for the brandy's aroma to gather, which makes for a flavourful surprise with every new sip. The classic brandy snifter comes with short steam, which rests perfectly in the palm of your hand, between your middle and wedding finger. This is a glass that takes itself as seriously as the drink that it carries. 

The classic brandy snifter represents the perfect balance between aesthetics and practicality. Not one brandy drinker can deny the feel of old glamour that rushes over when holding, smelling and sipping from this lovely vessel. However, on the practical side - it is worth mentioning the classic brandy snifters are dish-washer safe. They also make an interesting gift for any brandy aficionado, as they usually come in a set, packed in boxes with cool designs. The short, thick stem reduces the chances of tipping the glass over, while the crisp rim with a polished finish provides a comfortable drinking experience.

The Tulip Brandy Snifter

The tulip brandy snifter is an elegant choice for serious partakers. The narrow design of this glass fully allows you to be selfish with the brandy aroma, as it keeps it trapped inside the glass and only available for your complete enjoyment. The tulip brandy snifter is a machine-made glass, and it is easy to tell that strategical crafting was a great part of the creating process of this glass. With a glass that induces the drink's aroma by jealously keeping it entangled in its tulip-shaped vessel, it is safe to say you can also expect an intensified flavour. And, when it comes to brandy - it doesn't get much better than that, does it?

These brandy glasses come with a long, thin stem. And while this variation contributes greatly to the glass's aesthetic, it has proven not to be as comfortable to hold in your hand for a longer period of time. The tulip brandy snifter offers some practical uses, as well. Most of these types of glasses are dishwasher safe, and they only hold 6 oz, which is somewhere around the perfect serving amount for your expensive brandy. 

The Crystal Brandy Snifter

This is a high-end glass for a high-end drink. The crystal brandy snifter will make a refined addition to your glassware collection. Of course, there is nothing wrong with sipping your brandy from a glass-made snifter, but there is just something about crystal glasses - filled with your almost golden drink, catching the light of the room and sparkling. 

The crystal brandy snifter can come in many different shapes and forms, and its usage is usually reserved for formal events, parties or dinners. Whether it's long-stemmed, short-stemmed, narrow or wide - this is a glass that provokes admiration. This crystal brandy glass is a glass that deserves fine music, fine clothing and lots of fine brandy. Feel free to show it off and keep it at the top of your home bar.

The Stemless Brandy Snifter 

Brandy glass with no stem. The stemless brandy glass is a rather modern variation of the snifter, but one that is warmly welcomed among brandy enthusiasts. In fact, the stemless glass comes in a few different variations, so now brandy drinkers can enjoy their favourite drink in a stemless rolling glass (designed to twist around and oxidize your drink while it sits on the table) or as a part of a brandy decanter and stemless glasses set, for a deeper and knowledgeable experience. 

The stemless brandy snifter is easy to store, while it's dishwasher safe. Depending on the type of stemless snifter, it can be used for everyday use or even for formal events.

How to Choose the Best Brandy Glasses

We can not think of a more fun activity for a brandy drinker than choosing your new set of brandy glasses. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before making the purchase. 

You should think about choosing your next set of brandy glasses depending on your personal preferences in brandy consumption - whether you drink it neat, on rocks or in cocktails. 

When it comes to neat drinkers, even though almost any brandy snifter will do, it might be best to go with the classic brandy snifter. The relationship this glass is able to develop between your nose, palm and mouth - is one for a neat drink of brandy. 

If you like your brandy on rocks - make sure that your selected glass's opening is wide to fit one big ice cube. Adding a few smaller ice cubes will water down your drink a lot faster. 

A useful tip before getting your new set of brandy snifters - is knowing you can get a personalised one. There is an option for you to enjoy your brandy from a glass engraved with your initials! A personalised brandy glass will elevate your drinking experience to a whole different level and it will make you feel quite elegant and sophisticated. 

Finally, when choosing your brandy glasses, pay attention to the material. If you are going for a luxurious feel, by all means, go for the crystal brandy glasses. But, whatever type of glasses you decide on - make sure that the crystal or the glass is lead-free.

Why Certain Types of Glasses Are Mostly Used/Sold

As stated above, the experience of drinking brandy is almost a form of art. And, when it comes to art, everyone has their own preference and a different method of appreciation. Some brandy snifters find their way to our homes faster than others due to issues like pricing, durability, shape and form, as well as appealing aesthetics, which are shown in the glass's clarity.

Another reason why certain types of glasses are more used than others is that some of the described types can also serve as whiskey glasses or cognac glasses.

The Final Call

It is worth mentioning that brandy glasses have caught the attention of many great historical figures. In fact, Winston Churchill's brandy glass was auctioned at £10,000 just last year. Brandy snifters firmly hold their high place as a symbol of refined taste, quality and clever design, and they will continue to do so for many more years.

There are infinite ways to enjoy your brandy. Combined with food, paired with a quality cigar, after a long day, shared with loved ones, alone in the dark, in a crowded bar or in front of the window while it's raining. Whichever way is your way, you simply can't immerse in the deep pools of this worldly pleasure without the proper brandy glass. The vessel that will open up fragrant delights, the glass that is accepting your warm fingers, the closest friend to your drink of choice.

When holding a glass full of brandy, you are taking a part in a rich history. A history of a shared appreciation of a pleasing drink, consumed in fitting glassware. 

So, when choosing your next set of brandy snifters, keep all this in mind. You are not just purchasing glasses, you are investing in experiences and memories.