Snifter - what is it?

Rich aristocrats in movies always drink from massive round wine glasses with thick stems. This type of glassware is called a snifter and is traditionally used for brandy . The shape of the product helps to maximize the taste of the noble drink. Let's take a closer look at the features and types of unusual glasses.

general description

A wide vessel, the walls of which gradually taper upward, is associated with luxury. With his massive body, he resembles rich men who enjoy expensive alcohol. There were many celebrities among snifter fans. Thus, Winston Churchill collected a large collection of such glasses, and the legendary James Bond often talked with villains while holding brandy glass in his hand.

For those who have never used a snifter, its shape may seem like a designer's fantasy. In fact, the concave bowl enhances the experience of the drink, from aroma to the last sip.

Snifters are made from thin glass or crystal. The bottom of the vessel is set low on a massive leg, which is comfortable to hold in the hand. The round shape of the bowl allows the bouquet of brandy to unfold gradually. The olfactory sensations change during consumption as the drink warms up from the warmth of the hand. The shape of the bowl reduces the risk of brandy suddenly splashing out.

If you pour according to the rules, no more than 150 ml per serving, the glass can be turned on its side without spilling a drop.

When and how was it created

The word “snifter” comes from the English verb sniff - “sniff” . It is believed that this name first appeared at the beginning of the 19th century. But glassware similar to modern brandy glass existed much earlier. Its inventor remains unknown.

Metal glasses with a massive bowl narrowed at the top were discovered in the burials of Egyptian pharaohs. Ancient Roman writer Pliny the Elder, who lived in the 1st century BC. described similar glass products, noting that they were valued more than gold. Vessels very similar in shape to snifters are depicted in Leonardo da Vinci’s famous fresco “The Last Supper”.

What are the types

Wine experts distinguish five types of snifter, differing in volume and shape. But they all have a common feature - a narrowing at the top, which allows the bouquet of brandy to be concentrated.

Classical

The most common option features an onion-shaped bowl, which ideally collects the aroma of the drink. The glass is both beautiful and practical, it is comfortable to hold in your hand. The short, thick stem reduces the risk of tipping over, and the thin rim ensures comfortable drinking. The average volume of a classic snifter is 200-250 ml; it is customary to fill it to a quarter of the depth. The product is used for serving brandy and other types of aromatic alcohol - whiskey, bourbon, rum.

With handset

In this unusual glass, the lower part of the bowl is equipped with a curved narrow tube. Brandy is slowly sipped through it. Connoisseurs of the drink claim that this addition to the vessel allows you to separate the aroma and taste.

Wobble

The product is a classic snifter without a stem. The base of the bowl rests on a glass ledge. In between sips, the glass is placed on the table and rolled from side to side with a slight movement. It is believed that such movements release the aroma.

Drop glass

This is a small volume wine glass with a high stem. As the name suggests, the bowl is shaped like a drop. Serving in such a container is a violation of tradition, allowed in situations where there are no snifters at hand.

Tulip

Unlike classic brandy glass, this vessel is thinner and more elegant. The shape of the bowl resembles a whisk of the same color. A slightly widened neck accelerates the evaporation of the aroma. Thanks to the high stem, the drink heats up more slowly from the warmth of the palm. This option is preferred by lovers of young cognac.

Tips for choosing

If you consider yourself a true brandy connoisseur, you need glasses that suit your preferences. If you like to slowly sip good alcohol in the company of friends, choose a set of traditional snifters. They will serve for serving any strong drinks, including gin, whiskey, rum, amaretto.

For those who prefer pure cognac, tulip glasses are suitable. For lovers of brandy-based cocktails, classic glasses of 250-300 ml are recommended.

An important role when choosing is played by the material - glass or crystal . Both options are acceptable, but the crystal is thinner and therefore better distributes the aroma in the bowl. Crystal wine glasses are more beautiful to look atThey are on the table, but they are expensive and require careful handling.

Make sure that the dishes you choose do not require difficult care. Check the instructions to see if the items can be washed in the dishwasher and what detergents are needed.

How to use it correctly

Snifters are served at the same time as brandy or in advance. The glass is tilted horizontally and the drink is poured until its level is equal to the edge of the bowl. By turning it vertically, we get the required portion - a quarter of the volume of the vessel.

The snifter is held in the palm of your hand, passing the stem between the fingers. This position helps warm the brandy and release its aromatic substances. Before taking the first sip, you need to smell the drink. Experts say that 90% of the impression of brandy and cognac depends on the aroma. Drink in small sips, gently rolling the liquid in your mouth. From time to time, shake the bowl slightly to enhance the separation of alcohol vapors.

Some cognac lovers heat the cup from below with a candle. There are even special sets of glasses that include a stand and candles. However, heating is not considered a traditional way to serve cognac and brandy.

The best manufacturers

The ranking of companies producing the best snifters is headed by:

Pasabahce is a Turkish company that is one of the world leaders in the production of glassware. All products are made of glass with an antimicrobial coating.

Rona is a company from Slovakia, famous for its lead-free crystal products. The company's designers offer snifters of different sizes, smooth or decorated with hand carvings.

Stolzle is another German company that has been producing glassware for over 130 years. Stolzle glasses are characterized by a refined yet simple shape, very thin walls and a reinforced base.

Arcoroc is a French company that produces utensils for restaurants. Offers classic models of snifters made of tempered and opal glass.

Glass care

The first rule is to wash the dishes soon after use so that the remaining drink does not have time to leave sticky stains. Washing in a dishwasher is possible only if this is allowed by the instructions for the set of glasses; manufacturers use a composition that allows the use of a dishwasher, but for additional protection they often use cassettes for glasses.

To keep the shine longer, rinse the dishes with a mixture of cold water and lemon juice in a 1:1 ratio.

Then wipe with a dry cloth and leave to dry on the board. It is not recommended to turn the snifters upside down to avoid damaging the thin edge. Alternatively, you can immediately hang the products in a special holder for glasses.