Riedel Vinum Cognac Glasses (Pair)
Riedel Vinum Cognac Glasses (Pair)
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Riedel Vinum Cognac Hennessy Glass
Cognac is still mainly served in wide tulip-shaped brandy balloons, despite the disadvantages that shape carries for actually enjoying the spirit. The Riedel Vinum Cognac Hennessy glass, developed in collaboration with the Hennessy cognac house, takes a different approach: a tall, narrow, flute-shaped bowl that gives cognac a much smaller evaporation surface than a traditional balloon.
That smaller surface area is the whole point. A wide balloon releases alcohol vapour quickly, which is why cognac in one can smell sharp and hot before you've even taken a sip. The Vinum Cognac Hennessy glass's finely tuned proportions temper that alcohol harshness on the nose and palate whilst concentrating the bouquet, so what reaches you is the cognac's fruit, body and fire in balance rather than a wall of ethanol.
"I would say that Riedel Vinum Cognac Glasses are many times superior to the traditional Brandy Globe. Try it out on my recommendation, and return it for a refund if you disagree with me."
Andrew Bluett-Duncan, Director
Key features of the Riedel Vinum Cognac Hennessy glass:
- Flute-shaped bowl: Tall, narrow profile developed with Hennessy to minimise evaporation surface compared with a traditional wide brandy balloon
- Tempers harsh alcohol fumes: The proportions reduce the sharp, hot vapour a wide-bowled glass releases, replacing it with a more delicately balanced aroma
- Reveals the full bouquet: Emphasises fruit, body and finesse rather than letting alcohol dominate the nose
- Machine-blown non-lead crystal: Produced in Bavaria, Germany, for a fine, light-walled glass
- Comfortable proportions: 184mm height with a 170ml capacity, sized for a proper measure of cognac, brandy or armagnac
- Dishwasher safe: Practical for regular use without hand-washing requirements
- Available in four pack sizes: A pair to try, or 4, 6 and 8 packs for building a full set or hosting a tasting
This glass suits anyone who's served cognac in the traditional wide balloon and found themselves getting more alcohol burn than aroma for their trouble. It's built for cognac and other aged brown spirits, including armagnac and rum, where the point is to taste the spirit itself rather than fight through fumes to get there.
What Customers Ask About the Vinum Cognac Hennessy Glass
Why is this glass narrower than a traditional brandy balloon?
A wide balloon gives cognac a large surface area to evaporate from, which releases alcohol vapour quickly and can make the spirit smell sharp or hot before you've tasted it. The Vinum Cognac Hennessy glass's narrower, flute-shaped bowl reduces that evaporation surface, tempering the alcohol on the nose and palate so the cognac's fruit and bouquet come through instead of being masked by fumes.
Was this glass developed with input from the cognac industry?
Yes, this glass was developed by Riedel in collaboration with Hennessy, one of the best-known cognac houses, which is reflected in its name. The brief was to solve a long-standing problem: that cognac is traditionally served in glassware that works against, rather than for, appreciating it properly.
Can I use this glass for other spirits besides cognac?
Yes. Whilst it's designed specifically around cognac, the same principle, a smaller evaporation surface tempering alcohol and concentrating aroma, applies well to other aged brown spirits such as armagnac and rum. It's less suited to spirits typically served over ice, like whisky on the rocks, where a wider-bowled glass is more practical.
Is this glass too delicate for regular use?
It's machine-blown crystal, which makes it more consistent and generally sturdier than hand-blown stemware, and it's dishwasher safe for everyday convenience. That said, it's still fine crystal rather than kitchen glassware, so the usual care applies: hold it by the bowl or base rather than knocking it against taps or other glasses, and give it room in the dishwasher.
Which pack size should I choose?
The pair is a sensible way to try the shape for the first time, particularly if you're switching over from traditional brandy balloons. The 4 pack suits most households wanting enough for entertaining without overcommitting. The 6 pack is a popular choice for dinner parties, and the 8 pack is built for larger gatherings or anyone setting up a proper home bar.
Why the Shape Was Rethought
The debate over the right glass for cognac is an old one, but the wide tulip-shaped balloon has remained the default for most of the spirit's modern history, mainly through habit rather than evidence that it works. Riedel's Vinum Cognac Hennessy glass, developed with Hennessy itself, was built specifically to challenge that default.
The quality differences between cognacs show up in colour, aroma and taste, and a glass that lets alcohol vapour dominate the nose makes all three harder to judge. By narrowing the bowl and tapering it into a flute, the Vinum Cognac Hennessy glass reduces the surface area the spirit has to evaporate from, which slows that vapour release and lets the cognac's actual character come through: the fruit, the body, the finesse, and yes, some of the warmth too, but in proportion rather than overwhelming everything else.
From Vineyard to Barrel: Why Cognac Needs Its Own Glass
Cognac is a double-distilled brandy made in the Charente region of France and aged in oak, and like any aged spirit, much of what you're paying for shows up in aroma rather than flavour alone: fruit, spice, vanilla and oak character that develops over years in the barrel. A glass that lets ethanol vapour overpower those notes doesn't just make the drink less pleasant, it makes it harder to tell a well-aged cognac from a younger one.
The Vinum Cognac Hennessy glass's tall, narrow shape addresses this directly. The 170ml capacity is generous enough for a proper measure and some swirling room, but the bowl's narrower profile and tapered rim concentrate the aromatics as they rise rather than letting them disperse across a wide surface. The result is a glass that rewards sipping slowly and attending to what's actually in the glass, which is the whole point of drinking a spirit this considered in the first place.
Specifications
- SKU P1050 - Pair (ideal for trying the shape out)
- SKU WP10250G - 4 pack (most popular choice)
- SKU WP10250D - 6 pack (great for a dinner party)
- SKU WP10250C - 8 pack (best for entertaining)
Care & Use Instructions
Dishwasher Care: The Vinum Cognac Hennessy glass is dishwasher safe. Use a gentle cycle at maximum 55°C and space glasses so they don't touch each other or other items. Secure the tall, narrow bowl in the upper rack where it won't knock against other items or the spray arm. Avoid heavily abrasive or lemon-scented detergents which can cloud crystal over time. Remove promptly and allow to air dry with the door open to prevent water spots.
Handwashing: Use warm (not hot) water with mild detergent. Hold the glass by the bowl or base rather than gripping it by the rim. Support the bowl from underneath with one hand whilst washing the interior with a soft cloth or sponge in the other. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a lint-free cloth.
Polishing: Use a microfibre or linen cloth. Hold the bowl firmly and polish it in circular motions. For stubborn water spots, add a small amount of white vinegar to rinse water.
Storage: Store glasses upright, never stacked or rim-down. The 184mm height requires adequate vertical cupboard space. Ensure glasses are completely dry before storing to prevent cloudiness or odours developing.
Pouring: A standard cognac measure is around 30-50ml, well within the 170ml capacity, leaving plenty of room to swirl gently and let the bouquet develop. There's no need to fill the glass generously; the shape is designed to concentrate aroma even with a modest pour.
Serving: Cognac is typically served at room temperature, around 18-20°C, rather than chilled. Warming the glass slightly in cupped hands before drinking can help open up the aromatics further, though this is a matter of personal preference rather than a hard rule.
Why Buy From The Riedel Shop?
Since establishing The Riedel Shop, we've specialised in Riedel's innovative glassware, building expertise in helping customers select the right glass for the spirit or wine they're serving. We stand behind the Vinum Cognac Hennessy glass specifically, as our director's own recommendation above makes clear.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Breakage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
We believe you shouldn't have to take a risk when purchasing glassware. Our Half-Price Replacement policy covers accidental breakage for 2 years from purchase with proof of purchase, giving you confidence to use your glasses regularly rather than reserving them only for special occasions.
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses typically takes 3-5 working days and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. We pack all glassware carefully with protective packaging to ensure safe arrival.
Can I return the glasses if I don't like them after using them?
We offer a no quibble return guarantee that allows you to return goods even after use, which is also what our director's own recommendation above is backed by. The items must be in a resaleable condition and in their original packaging. Please wrap or box items appropriately for transit to avoid damage.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
If you accidentally break a glass within 2 years of purchase, we'll replace it at half the current retail price. You'll need proof of purchase (receipt, bank statement, or order confirmation if purchased online) and evidence of the breakage (a photo is fine). We log your purchase at point of sale, or online orders are automatically recorded in our system.
What's the difference between the pack sizes?
All four options contain the identical glass; only the quantity changes. The pair (SKU P1050) is suited to trying the shape out. The 4 pack (WP10250G) is the most popular choice for general use. The 6 pack (WP10250D) suits a dinner party. The 8 pack (WP10250C) is built for larger-scale entertaining.
Do you offer gift packaging?
Riedel Vinum glasses come in packaging suitable for gifting and provide appropriate protection for the crystal. These make a considered gift for anyone who enjoys cognac, armagnac or other aged spirits.
Can I buy additional glasses to match my set?
Yes. The Vinum Cognac Hennessy glass is part of Riedel's ongoing range, and machine production ensures new glasses will match your existing set in size and quality, whichever pack size you started with.
How is this different from a standard brandy balloon?
A standard brandy balloon is wide and round, which gives the spirit a large surface area to evaporate from and tends to release alcohol vapour quickly. The Vinum Cognac Hennessy glass's narrower, flute-shaped bowl reduces that evaporation surface deliberately, tempering the alcohol's effect on the nose and palate so the cognac's bouquet, fruit and body come through rather than being masked by fumes.
Is this glass suitable for whisky too?
It can be used for whisky neat, but it isn't specifically designed for it, and it's less practical for whisky served over ice given the narrower bowl. If whisky is your main spirit, a dedicated whisky glass with a wider opening for ice will generally serve you better. For cognac, armagnac and similar aged brown spirits taken neat, this shape is the stronger choice.
