A cigar with a glass of the best Armenian cognac – what could be more romantic? Inevitably there is an association with Winston Churchill in some country club.
Let’s figure out which Armenian cognac is still the best at the moment.
Production
Since cognac is still a French drink, French cooking technologies are followed in production. What distinguishes Armenian cognacs is, of course, raw materials. In production, autochthonous grape varieties are used, that is, varieties that grow only on the territory of Armenia (in particular, in the Ararat Valley). In addition, grapes are usually used, the sweetness of which should be in the range of 18-20%, which means that the berries are not fully ripe.
To learn more about Armenian brandy and ego export, read the blog “How to export brandy/cognac from Armenia”
Characteristics
In addition to the existence of certain standards and norms for making cognac, there are certain nuances in the technology of preparation, which determine the taste, aroma and quality of the drink.
The main characteristics of cognac by which you should determine your choice are strength and aging.
Let’s consider each indicator in more detail:
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- Fortress – usually in the range of 40-57%. The lower the strength of the drink, the more fully the bouquet taste and aroma is revealed. Some masters can estimate the age of cognac by smell. For example, there is a unique 40-year-old cognac, the strength of which reaches 32-33%, which is compensated by a strong aroma.
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- Exposure – the main indicator by which you can easily navigate when choosing. Depending on the exposure, there are several types of cognac:
1. Ordinary – produced from cognac spirits aged for at least 3 years.
2. Vintage – produced from cognac spirits aged for at least 6 years.
3. Collection – produced from vintage cognacs, additionally aged for at least 3 years in oak barrels.
- Exposure – the main indicator by which you can easily navigate when choosing. Depending on the exposure, there are several types of cognac:
There are 2 types of markings to indicate cognac aging on the labels: alphabetic and in stars. The first is international, adopted by the French, while the second is typical for Armenian cognacs, due to the fact that during the Soviet Union this marking was adopted (although lettering is also found on the labels).
Marking
Letter:
• VS – Very Special, aged in oak for at least 2 years;
• Superior, oak barrel aging from 3 years;
• VSOP – Very Superior Old Pale (alternatively – Old or Reserve), aging from 4 years;
• VVSOP – Very Very Superior Old Pale (alternatively – Vieux), aging from 5 years;
• XO – Extra Old (alternatively – Napoleon or Old Reserve), exposure of 6 years or more;
• Extra – in theory, the same as XO, in practice it is often used to emphasize exceptionally long exposure, for example, 10 years or more;
• Hors d’Age (alternatively Vieille Réserve). Theoretically, it also more or less coincides with XO, in practice – it indicates not only a long exposure, but also an unsurpassed quality of the product.
The stars are a little easier to navigate, as in general, they denote ordinary drinks:
• Three stars – this cognac spirit (or a blend of several varieties) spent three years in a barrel, has a balanced taste slightly reminiscent of oak wood, fruits, honey and spices and a pleasant aroma without a pronounced alcoholic shade. Its color is light amber, and the strength is 40 °.
• Four stars, respectively, indicate four years of exposure. The strength of the drink is at the level of 41 °, and its sugar content does not exceed 1.5%. The taste is dominated by roasted hazelnuts and vanilla.
• Five stars indicate a 5 year old brandy and a 42° proof. The taste is more intense and tart, with nutty notes, the color is dark.
It is believed that the longer the exposure, the more refined the taste, aroma of cognac and the more it is appreciated.
Price category
It will not be superfluous to consider the cost of drinks. After the foregoing, it seems that everything is obvious and there should not be any difficulties with the choice. But depending on the age, strength and brand, prices vary, starting from 600 rubles, and can reach 30,000 rubles for collection, unique types. Therefore, it is worth considering this factor when choosing this alcoholic drink.
The best cognac
And finally, what should you choose?
In Armenia, there are many brands of cognac with a variety of types, from which the eyes run wide, but preference is given to drinks that have been tested by time, as well as according to the positive assessments of international organizations at world exhibitions, and the positive assessment of Churchill himself.
The undisputed leader is one of the oldest factories, namely the Yerevan Brandy Factory, which began its history in 1887.
Considering all the characteristics, as well as the price category that will be available to most, the best cognac is the 5-star Ararat. It has a delicate, refreshing aroma with notes of plum, peach and dried fruit, a hint of dark chocolate; has a delicate and delicate taste with intense tones of blackcurrant and soft sweetish notes and is perfect for any feast, as well as as a gift.
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