Is Brandy meant to be swirlled constantly? I know it’s an aroma/ritual thing, but some people treat their snifter like it was in a paint-shaker or something. Rubes I assume. They swirl constantly and while not wafting aromas, is there a good reason?
Heat.
The ballon helps to transfer heat from your hand to the brandy.
Continuous swirling heats the brandy uniformly.
You don’t want cold spots in your brandy you know.
Besides aroma, i thought this was done to see if the brandy had “legs”. “Legs” being the consistancy and color of the brandy as it circles the snifter.
If you swirl continuously it has a few effects.
- The brandy is ready to drink at any moment you desire (otherwise you would have to decide to drink, then swirl, and then drink) so that you can drink in the smell and the taste at its best.
- It is a pleasant habit when drinking brandy, may help you get into the “good meal: Coffee: Brandy …” mood.
- The hand exercise will cause your hands to warm up, and hence help warm the Brandy.
P.S. anyone near a Traider Joe’s should check out their $20.00 french import XO Armagnac, it is incredibly good value for money with a taste worth three times that much.