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I used to work in a medical institution and I was often presented with cognac as a thank you. It has always been in my house, and still is. After a tough shift, I can afford to flip the snifter over for a boost.
In addition, I visited cognac tastings in Armenia and France. After that, friends and colleagues began to consider me a true gourmet, often asking for advice in search of a good cognac for a gift.
However, today I want to share a bad experience and name the worst brands that I have come across in our stores.
One of those failed attempts
This review was sent by subscriber Vitaly M.
The White Guard
I’ll start, perhaps, with him, since he disappointed me the most. Apparently, one should not expect anything outstanding from a three-year-old Russian cognac. The cost of one bottle of 0,5 liters is 630-650 rubles.
“Noble” drink has a golden color. The manufacturer claims that cognac has a rich spicy taste. However, I felt solid flavors, among which there is definitely vanilla.
After tasting the White Guard, I already tasted that something was wrong here. I decided to study the information on the label. What I found cleared everything up.
It turns out that alcohol of non-grape origin is used for its manufacture. In addition, the aging technology is not observed during the production process, which is clearly felt after the first sip.
With regards to the “White Guard” I have only one question: “Why is it still not taken off the market?”.
Jeevan, 5 years old
The price is clearly too high – 650-790 rubles. For such a swill and 300 rubles is a pity. The shade of cognac is really beautiful – amber, but the taste leaves much to be desired. He reminded me of technical alcohol with sugar, caramel and apricot syrup.
Here is what the manufacturer promises to its customers. “Exquisite combination” only on the label.
When I first opened the bottle, I felt pleasant vanilla-chocolate notes. While I was pouring cognac into glasses, they evaporated without a trace. I tried a lot of cognacs, but this is the first time I encounter such a “trick”.
“Three Stars” and Elder Ecological, 7 years
Another unsuccessful Russian-made cognac for 580-670 rubles. They promised the taste of vanilla and chocolate, but received alcohol with the aroma of paint. In addition, the taste is not rich enough. The shade resembles tea, the bag of which has already been brewed several times.
I did not particularly like that the liquid is too sweet to be considered cognac. As soon as you uncork the cork, the smell of alcohol immediately hits your nose. Cognac has 3 stars, but I give it a rating of 2.
It costs almost 2 times more than the previous brands – 900-1200 rubles, but the taste is the same technical alcohol. In addition, there is also a chemical taste with a cheap car air freshener.
Although the manufacturer assures that Ecological (Ecolodzhikal) has the taste of bitter chocolate, nuts and prunes. For me personally, this is the perfect combination that is difficult to spoil. But the Elder succeeded.
Why did I decide to try this brandy at all? To be honest, I was seduced by the unusual shape of the bottle, the expensive label and the beautiful golden-amber color. However, the contents of the bottle did not live up to my expectations.
I couldn’t help but show you the shape of the bottle. Agree, original?
3 brands of cognac that I consider the best
In fact, things with cognac are not so bad as it might seem at first glance. We also have really noble cognacs for sale, which I recommend you try.
Ararat 5 stars
Price: from 1130 rubles
Colour: bright amber
Country of origin: Armenia
Taste: slightly sour blackcurrant with soft sweetish tones
No wonder “Ararat” is the most popular not only in our country, but throughout the world. It is pleasant to drink it, feeling how the flavor bouquet is revealed.
I clearly felt the taste of frozen mountain ash, dark chocolate and prunes. After opening the bottle, you can feel the “warm” aroma of pine resin and red apples.
Martell VS
Price: from 1200 rub.
Color: light golden
Country of manufacture: France
Taste: chocolate, cardamom, dried apricots, and fruity notes
An excellent brandy that has no equal in this price range. If you want to buy a bottle as a present, then do not even hesitate and take this one. Even sophisticated cognac connoisseurs will be pleasantly surprised by its soft yet rich taste.
An ideal option for a gift. Looks rich with the box.
Ike is 5 years old
Price: 500-570 rubles
Colour: amber with copper reflections
Country of origin: Armenia
Taste: prunes, accompanied in the finale by hints of cinnamon, notes of citrus and nuts
The best among the budget. It has a noble light taste. Easy to drink. I especially like its interesting aftertaste, but I just can’t determine what exactly I associate it with. Maybe someone has already recognized it?
Now you will know which brands of brandy should definitely be avoided, and which ones are worth a try. Interestingly, today there is generally something better than the 5-star “Ararat”?