Arakhtan is an excellent example of real Armenian cognac, which many connoisseurs consider almost a standard among alcoholic beverages. This brand is produced by the Great Valletu company and is considered one of the youngest.
The largest share of alcohol (about 60% of the produced) is supplied to Russia, while the rest are exported in equal parts to Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Moldova. It is no coincidence that the product is designed for the CIS countries, since for good quality it also has a relatively low price.
brandy cocktails
Brand history and production specifics
The Great Valletu company itself dates back to 1998: it was then that Tigran Arzakantsyan bought all the property of the bankrupt Artashat distillery under the hammer. Thus, an enterprising businessman got an almost completely ruined enterprise with long-outdated equipment.
However, the owner of the “Great Valley” did not invest in repairs the first thing – he found another way out, thanks to which the enterprise managed to rise from nowhere. Tigran hired Robert Azaryan, one of the best brandy makers in all of Armenia. The businessman made an offer to the blender, which he simply could not refuse, namely, he invited him to create his own branded drink.
The basis of “King Tigran” was taken forty-year-old alcohol, which remained in the cellars from the previous owners. Multiplied by the experience of the best craftsman in the country, this raw material gave rise to a wave of courage: the Great Valletu enterprise managed to get back on its feet.
The company is one of the largest skate manufacturers in the country. In addition to Arakhtan and Tsar Tigran, the company also has another brand that is exported abroad. However, “Sevan” is less popular than “Arakhtan”, although it was patented a year earlier than its competitor.
Types of cognac Arakhtan
Арахтан 3 stars
Excellent cognac, three years old. It is characterized by a light golden color, as well as a tart aroma, in which there are woody notes and tones of nutmeg.
A rather mild taste has an apple tint, which is then covered by a grape aftertaste. Usually eaten with cheeses, poultry, or seafood.
Арахтан 5 stars
The drink has a bright golden color, and the same nutty flavor, complemented by orange notes.
The taste is soft and velvety, it has a pronounced green apple, perfectly combined with white grapes.
Most often, this cognac is used as a digestif, but it is often consumed with olives, coffee or chocolate.
Arakhtan seven years old
After a long infusion in an oak barrel, it acquires a deep amber color, tinted with tones of mahogany.
The balanced taste is reminiscent of the five-star Arakhtan, but thanks to the presence of spices, it seems refined and new.
The drink is served with lean meat or cheese, and often serves as the basis for cocktails.
Interesting Facts
In fact, the technology for the production of cognac “Arakhtan” is no different from French traditions. The difference lies only in the grape varieties: only grapes ripened in the Ararat Valley are used for this cognac.
Grape varieties Garan Dmak and Voskeat, from which brandy is made, are harvested almost one day a year – at the very beginning of October. The management of the company strictly ensures that each berry that gets into cognac is fully ripe, and at the same time does not fall under the autumn frosts.
In the containers intended for the maturation of alcohol, iron is almost completely absent. Each barrel located there is made by hand, and the matured Caucasian oak served as the material for them.
what should be real cognac
Relevance: 08.02.2020
Tags: Brandy and Cognac, Brandy Brands