Riedel Crystal Releases New Cognac Glass

Jacob Gaffney
Posted: March 4, 2000

Riedel Crystal, manufacturer of glasses designed for individual types of wine and spirits, is now offering the Vinum Cognac Hennessy glass for drinkers of V.S.O.P. Cognac.

Riedel designed the tulip-shaped glass with a long stem and an outward-angled rim that "emphasizes fruit and harmonizes aroma and taste by countering V.S.O.P.'s fiery, volatile alcohol on the nose and astringency on the palate," according to the glassmaker. Riedel said that the designers chose an atypical shape because they felt that the traditional Cognac glass shape, with a wide bottom and narrow rim, overemphasizes alcohol on the nose.

The Vinum Cognac Hennessy glass retails for $20 and holds up to 6 3/4 ounces of brandy. The glass is also recommended for Cognacs under 10 years of age as well as Armagnacs and rums. The Vinum line is machine-made, making it more affordable than Riedel's hand-blown Sommeliers XO glass for Cognac, which retails for $52.50.

To learn more about Riedel crystal, read our Dec. 15, 1999, cover package:
Old Wine in New Glasses
Riedel's Artful Designs
The Riedel Dynasty

For more on glasses designed by Riedel: