How To Pair Cognac With Food: You'll Never Go Wrong With This Guide
ROLL OUT the red carpet for your taste buds, because we're about to elevate your dining experience to A-list status with some cognac and food pairings that will make even the most reserved dinner guest say, ‘Oh là là.’ Forget what you've heard about wine and cheese nights. We're diving into cognac, pairing it with dishes that will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about hosting.
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VS Cognac and Smoked Salmon Canapés
Let's start the show with something light and inviting. A young, vibrant VS cognac, with its floral and fruity notes, is like the opening act to an unforgettable performance. Pair it with smoked salmon canapés, topped with a dollop of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of dill. The cognac's brightness cuts through the richness of the salmon, while the creamy freshness of the crème fraîche sets the stage for the evening's upcoming acts.
XO Cognac & Duck à l'Orange
Now, for the main event: An XO cognac, aged to perfection, with its complex layers of dried fruit, spice, and a whisper of chocolate, demands a dish that can stand up to its depth. Enter duck à l'orange, a classic with a twist. The succulent richness of the duck, paired with the sweet and tangy orange sauce, creates a harmony with the XO cognac that's nothing short of a standing ovation. It's a pairing that's bold, sophisticated, and utterly captivating.
Louis XIII and Lobster Thermidor
Another contender for the main dish, Lobster Thermidor, stands tall next to Louis XIII. A century in a bottle, its depth and intensity of aromas—from floral to spice—deserve a culinary counterpart of equal grandeur, with its rich, creamy texture and delicate flavours. The luxuriousness of the lobster, combined with a creamy, brandy-infused sauce, complements Louis XIII’s majestic profile, creating an epicurean experience that’s truly unforgettable.
Rémy Martin Louis XIII & Dark Chocolate Mousse
Rémy Martin Louis XIII, the crown jewel of cognacs, with its multi-layered flavours developed over decades, deserves an equally worthy dessert. A dark chocolate mousse, with its luxurious texture and intense cocoa flavour, serves as the perfect foil for the cognac's rich, floral, and honeyed notes. Each spoonful of mousse and sip of Louis XIII is a reminder of luxury, a moment to be savoured and remembered.
Hennessy Paradis & Aged Gouda
Just when you think the show's over, we bring out an encore that's sure to leave a lasting impression. Hennessy Paradis, an exquisite blend of the maison's finest eaux-de-vie, paired with aged Gouda, is like the perfect closing number. The nutty, caramel notes of the cheese get along beautifully with the cognac's velvet-like smoothness. It's an unexpected pairing that truly saves the best for last.
Here's to unforgettable evenings filled with good company, great food, and exceptional cognac. Because when it comes to hosting, it's not just the thought that counts — it's the taste.
