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Who said that French cognacs are the best? I fundamentally disagree with this. As for me, Armenian cognacs are at least no worse. I might never have known this if I hadn’t been visiting my best friend. We met him at the institute. He is originally from Armenia.
And so, he somehow invited me to his homeland. The occasion was perfect, my friend got married. I’m just a little shocked by Armenia itself and local traditions, in the good sense of the word. It was at that moment that Armenian cognac became a real discovery for me.
Where brandy is made in Armenia
Armenians consider their cognac a real asset and a reason for pride. They have a special relationship with this alcoholic drink. There are several main factories that make this wonderful cognac for the whole world.
I would put the Yerevan brandy factory “Ararat” in the first place in terms of production. I was on it on an excursion when I was visiting Armenia.
Yerevan Brandy Factory.
This plant in its current format dates back to 1953. But it is worth saying that it has been known since 1897, when the first brandy factory was opened in Armenia (in Yerevan). At one time, N. L. Shustov was its owner.
I will put the Ijevan Wine and Brandy Factory in second place. It is good because it is located in unique natural conditions. That is, grapes and, accordingly, cognac acquire a special taste there.
The Avshar factory, located in the Ararat valley, has also received several awards for its products. It is a family business that dates back to 1968. For production, raw materials from our own vineyard are used, which allows us to closely monitor the quality.
Important! There are over 20 cognac factories in Armenia.
Features of the production of Armenian cognacs
What I said, they say, Armenian cognac is no worse than French, it’s not just that. The fact is that the process of its preparation practically does not differ from the classic French. This was done even at the opening of the very first Yerevan brandy factory. These traditions are preserved to this day.
Another feature of the Armenian cognac is that it is mainly made from autochthonous grape varieties. That is, this is a grape variety that was obtained in a certain place and grows only there.
Naturally, many grape varieties are similar, but the slightest changes in growing technology immediately, one way or another, affect its taste.
Another interesting fact. In Armenia, grapes are used to make cognac, the sweetness of which should be in the region of 18-20%. That is, he is not allowed to ripen to the end. But I can say, given the taste of Armenian cognac, they know what they are doing.
Important! The alcohol content in the finished product must be at least 40% vol.
Types and cost of Armenian cognacs
Types of Armenian cognacs can be divided according to the methods and terms of aging. Of these, three main ones stand out. I didn’t know that cognac is aged not only in oak barrels. It turns out that it can be kept in an enameled container, in which oak staves are added.
- As for the species, ordinary cognac is considered the cheapest. For its preparation, cognac spirits aged for at least 3 years are used. This is the hottest product. Such cognac can be 3, 4 and 5 years old. On the bottle, these years can be indicated by the corresponding number of stars. The average price is about 1000 rubles.
- The middle segment includes vintage cognac. Its cost range is approximately 1000-2000 rubles. In this case, cognac spirits with an age of at least 6 years are already used for preparation. It’s like wine, the longer the better.
- Collectible cognac is considered the coolest. Here the price may already be different, but cheaper than 2000 rubles. not find him. In fact, these are the same vintage cognacs, which, after preparation, were additionally aged for at least 3 years.
Important! The standardization of Armenian cognac took place only on May 1, 1999.
10 best Armenian cognacs
In fact, almost any Armenian cognac can be good. But, probably, it is worth making a rating of the best, for a complete understanding. Cognac Chateau Namus will cost 17 rubles. Its exposure is as much as 000 years.
Cognac Manet is aged in Karabakh oak barrels. It costs over 40 rubles. Cognac Ararat Erebuni for 000 rubles. stands out for its taste with hints of dried fruits and hazelnuts.
Ararat Erebuni.
Don’t worry, there are cheaper options. Cognac Ararat Charles Aznavour for 12 rubles. is unique in that it was used for cooking crops collected on significant dates for Charles himself. King Tigran 000 years for 25 rubles. stands out taste with hints of vanilla and chocolate.
Noy Lord 25 years will cost about 10 rubles. It stands out for its refined and powerful taste.
Ararat Charles Aznavour.
King Tigran.
Noy Lord.
Ararat Nairi for 5000 rubles. This is a good quality cognac. Ararat Dvin 6000 rub. drank at one time Churchill. Cognac Ararat Akhtamar 10 years is also a good option, especially for 2 rubles. Well, the cheapest option is “Great-grandfather”, which stands out for its plum-chocolate flavor.
Ararat Nairi.
Ararat Dvin.
Ararat Akhtamar.
Great-grandfather.
All this is very good and cool that one of the best cognacs in the world is being made nearby. I have another question. Perhaps some of the readers have tried Armenian cognac made at home?
For example, homemade wine is sometimes even better than store bought. If someone has experience, then share the review and the recipe, preferably in detail.