A snifter glass

A snifter—also called a balloon—is a type of stemware, a short-stemmed glass whose vessel has a wide bottom and a relatively narrow top. It is mostly used to servebrandy. The large surface area of the brandy helps evaporate it, the narrow top traps the aroma inside the glass, while the rounded bottom allows the glass to be cupped in the hand, thus warming the liquor. Most snifters will hold between 180–240 ml (6–8 oz.), but no more than 60–90 ml (2–3 oz.) should be poured for a single serving.