Real Armenian cognac is an elite product, whose quality is controlled by the laws of the Republic of Armenia. Unlike the local brandy called “Arbun”, this drink is made exclusively from grapes that grow only in some regions of Armenia. It is he who gives the Armenian cognac an unforgettable taste and aroma.
cocktails with cognac
Gradation of Armenian cognacs
The main indicators of the quality of cognac are the period and conditions of aging. Depending on them, this alcohol is divided into the following varieties:
Ordinary cognac
This includes a product aged from three to five years. These are relatively inexpensive, but very worthy representatives of the family. And when they talk about the Armenian cognac “5 stars”, this should be understood as a five-year-old drink.
Vintage cognac
These drinks are over 5 years old. Solid, with a rich blend and a delicate aroma. A great gift and a real decoration for your home or office bar. Vintage Armenian cognac is distinguished by the code “XO” (Extra Old), which means aging for more than 6 years.
Collection cognacs
A true masterpiece of cognac art. These drinks are an improved version of vintage ones. Instead of being bottled, these spirits are aged for an additional 3 or more years. The result is a drink worthy of the gods.
famous cognac brands
Review of popular brands
Ararat. The most famous Armenian cognac. Ararat is a line of ordinary alcohol aged 3-5 years and 40-42% alcohol. These drinks offer a rich, intense taste with tart fruity notes and a pleasant aftertaste. In addition, they are very common and can be found almost everywhere.
Standing apart is Ararat aged 5 years. Unlike the “fruity” flavors of younger versions, its bouquet includes notes of dark chocolate. They give it a special taste that pleases more than the first generation of connoisseurs.
Monet. This brand of the Proshyan Brandy Factory is a rare visitor to wine shops. The thing is that it is produced in small batches, which are sold out very quickly. Therefore, if you come across a bottle of Armenian cognac Manet, take it without hesitation. You won’t guess.
The Manet line includes the following cognacs:
VS – aging 3 years, 40% alcohol. It has a pleasant creamy vanilla aroma and a rich aftertaste with hints of roasted almonds.
VSOP – aging from 4 years, 40% alcohol. Its bouquet is dominated by aromas of cherries and prunes, complemented by the taste of honey, vanilla and chocolate. The aftertaste adorns coffee and chocolate.
XO is a real “Extra Old”, aged 8 years and 40% alcohol. But despite its age, it has a mild taste of coffee and chocolate with a tart aroma of Karabakh oak.
Gold. A series of Armenian cognacs, bottled at the enterprises of MAP CJSC. The main representatives of the line are:
“Gold. 3 years VS. The drink is light chestnut in color. It has a chocolate-vanilla taste with an admixture of floral aromas.
“Gold. 5 years of VSOP. Its color is liquid gold. The aroma of flowers is set off by hints of oak.
“Gold. XO. This alcohol aged over 7 years offers gourmets a rich palette of flavors based on vanilla and chocolate.
A distinctive feature of the series is the presence of particles of gold leaf in the bottles. This noble metal gives drinks a unique charm and a special atmosphere of luxury.
Noah. Armenian cognac brand Noy is made exclusively from white grapes. It includes 3 varieties, each of which has its own unique features.
Noah Araspel. Exposure 3 or 5 years. The taste develops gradually. Slightly spicy at first, but then it turns into a velvety vanilla flavor spiced with chocolate. The aftertaste is long and very pleasant.
Noah Classic. Exposure up to 20 years. The rich taste of dark chocolate is complemented by an aftertaste of old oak. The perfect drink for a relaxing evening and a leisurely conversation.
Noah Traditional. Exposure – 5 years. Ordinary cognac, an excellent choice for a dinner party.
Arakhtan. Produced by Great Valley, located in the Ararat Valley. Like Manet, it is aged in Caucasian oak barrels, which give the drink an unforgettable aroma.
The line consists of three representatives. All of them have a strength of 42%:
Arahtan 3 stars. Its blend consists of grape spirits aged 3-5 years. The taste combines a grape-apple base and features of candied fruit and nutmeg.
Arahtan 5 stars. Alcohols of 5–10 years of aging are used for it, giving it a golden hue. The drink is distinguished by the aroma of orange and walnut, perfectly diluting the strong taste of white grapes.
Arahtan Seven Years. The hallmark of this aged alcohol is the taste. The bouquet includes notes of fruits, flowers and oriental spices. The aftertaste lasts for a long time, giving warmth and tranquility.
Kochari. Another well-known brand EKVVK “Ararat”, which combines excellent taste, moderate strength and delicate aroma. It will appeal to both a gourmet who requires exquisite sensations and a simple connoisseur of good alcohol.
Kochari includes the following drinks:
Kochari 3 years old. Ordinary three-year-old cognac, delighting with aromas of dried apricots and prunes. Its taste combines the sweetness of fruits and the astringency of vanilla.
Kochari 5 years old. It is distinguished from a three-year-old drink by a smoked aftertaste given to it by smoked prunes.
Kochari is 7 years old. The most mature in the series. Its bouquet is based on candied oranges, vanilla and dried fruits. And all this is framed by a subtle taste of dark chocolate.
That’s all. Yes, there are many fine Armenian cognacs aged up to 15 years and older. But to list their merits is not enough for a whole book. So, when choosing a worthy drink for yourself and your friends, do not pass by bottles originally from Armenia. They won’t disappoint you.
what should be real cognac
Relevance: 02.07.2018
Tags: brandy and cognac