Imagine a male company retiring to a cigar house after dinner to spend time in pleasant conversation away from the ladies. What drink would they prefer? Of course, cognac. It is elegant, mysterious and has a long aftertaste. But did you know that when paired with certain dishes, it opens up a whole new palette of flavors?
From time immemorial, cognac was considered a digestive - a drink that is served before meals and promotes better digestion. But time passes and everything changes. Modern trends indicate that cognac, like other spirits, deserves attention as a full-fledged participant in the meal.
Cognac snacks
If you plan to serve cognac from alcoholic beverages, then from snacks you should prefer such fatty, rich dishes as duck breast confit, foie gras, pâté and even pasta. The rich and rich texture of meat dishes will soften the effect of alcohol and acid, and the taste of cognac will acquire a velvety hue. At the same time, the alcohol contained in cognac makes the taste of meat dishes much brighter. Stir-fried vegetables with truffles and / or other wild mushrooms will complement the cognac. In general, when choosing a successful combination of snacks for cognac, it is important to remember about the balance of acids, because with an excess of them, for example, in combination with sweet or fruit dishes, a good duet will not work.
Beef goes well with cognac. It is best to choose a filet mignon or beef tenderloin and serve it with a five-year-old cognac.
Sushi bar?
Believe it or not, cognac, in which fruity taste and acidity are impeccably balanced, goes well with lightly smoked fish, oysters, lobster, sea urchin and almost all types of shellfish. A combination of cognac and sushi or sashimi is also considered successful. In addition, this strong drink sets off the subtle delicate taste of Asian spices and seasonings.
Cheese and desserts
Looking for a win-win? This is undoubtedly cheese. As mentioned earlier, sweet, dairy, creamy foods and eggs soften the effects of alcohol. In addition, the texture of such dishes goes well with spirits. Fatty cheeses made from cow's milk melt in your mouth, creating a creamy texture that reveals the full flavor, while cognac gives the cheese a fruity, spicy and even nutty flavor. What's better than a glass of cognac paired with a snack of blue cheese, sweet fruits and walnuts? And 40% fat French cheeses are a truly euphoric experience for a true gourmet. As for desserts, cognac will perfectly complement vanilla or jasmine cream and crème brulee.
The inscriptions VS, VSOP and XO indicate the categories of cognac aging. VS or "very special" are cognacs of at least two years of aging, VSOP or "very special old pale" - four or more years, and XO or "extra old" - six or more years.
Chocolate
Once Maurice Hennessy called the combination of cognac and chocolate "the perfect marriage", where everything is there: passion, sensuality, harmony. Cognacs of the XO or "extra old" category, aged for six or more years, are best combined with milk chocolate. But dark chocolate or chocolate cake are also good choices, as their bitter taste accentuates the spiciness of the drink.
