Cognac is one of the most popular and refined spirits. A good home bar almost always stores a bottle of expensive cognac in case of a holiday or a special occasion. It should be borne in mind that cognac is extremely sensitive to storage conditions, which must be observed so as not to spoil its delicate taste.
Ideal storage conditions
Cognac is an amazing, tasty and aromatic drink. In small quantities, it is good for the body. Good cognac isn't cheap, but the cost is usually worth it.
The conditions and location of storage of this strong drink can greatly affect its taste. A barrel made of special oak wood is considered an ideal storage place; it is in such barrels that the drink is aged for years, which allows it to acquire exceptional taste and aroma. It is believed that cognac can be stored in the correct oak barrel for years, if not decades, while its taste will only improve. It should be borne in mind that in this case, the correct temperature indicators are important, therefore, barrels with this drink are best stored in a specially equipped cellar.
If you do not have the opportunity to store cognac in specialized barrels, it can be stored in a bottle for a very long time. True, in a bottle cognac will not acquire additional aroma and taste, but it will not lose them either. Subject to certain rules, the shelf life of cognac in a glass bottle can be almost infinite.
How to store cognac at home
Unlike wine, cognac should only be stored in a standing position, otherwise the drink may acquire an unpleasant cork odor. To prevent the cork from drying out, you need to fill the neck of the bottle with sealing wax. The cognac will be stored for the longest time at temperatures from +5 to +15 degrees in a dark place. It is very important to protect the drink from any light and especially sunlight. To protect the drink from the negative effects of light, you can wrap the bottle with it in an opaque cloth. Subject to these rules, cognac can be stored for many years without the slightest damage to the taste. Do not put cognac in the refrigerator, too low temperatures destroy the structure of the drink and irreversibly affect its taste.
An open bottle of cognac must be “drunk” within 2-3 months, and all this time it should be kept away from sunlight and too high or too low temperature. Of course, the drink can be consumed after that, but usually, after a longer period, all aroma and taste properties of cognac simply disappear. You can extend the "life" of the drink by pouring it into a smaller sealed glass container with a secure lid (it is desirable that it be airtight), in such a vessel cognac can be stored for a very long time.
