What is the recommended serving method for brandy?

The recommended serving method for brandy is to pour it warm into a snifter held in your palm. This technique allows the drinker to warm the brandy slightly with the heat of their hand, enhancing the aromas and flavors as the drink becomes more aromatic at a higher temperature.

Brandy is traditionally enjoyed neat, and serving it in a snifter—a rounded glass designed to concentrate the aromatic qualities of the spirit—promotes a fuller tasting experience. The design of the snifter also facilitates easy swirling, which releases the bouquet of the brandy, making it more enjoyable to sip slowly.

Using a tall glass or serving it chilled would mask some of the intricacies of flavor and aroma that a properly served brandy can offer. Similarly, serving straight from the bottle does not take advantage of the sensory experiences that a snifter allows. Mixing brandy with soda diminishes its complexity and is not representative of the traditional drinking style associated with this spirit, which is best appreciated in its pure form.