French cognac with Russian roots is a real work of art, and this statement applies both to the internal contents of the bottle and to its external appearance.
Meukow drinks, created by royal order, were born to satisfy the most sophisticated connoisseurs and decorate the tables of noble people.
You can recognize the brand by the original embossed bottle with a wild cat on the label.
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History of the Meukow brand
In 1850, the brothers August-Christoph and Gustav Meukow left Silesia for France on behalf of the Russian Tsar. They had to study the cognac assortment and organize the supply of the best drinks to the court of Alexander II.
The brothers were so carried away by the art of creating “living water” that they decided to establish their own brand of alcohol. The new venture under the name “AC MEUKOW & Co. House” was opened in 1862 in the city of Cognac.
At first, the company was actively supported by the mayor of the city, Henri Bourault, who was one of its shareholders. Thanks to a fortunate combination of circumstances and the high quality of cognacs, the brand’s products enjoyed exceptional success, and the company grew rapidly.
In 1979, the company became part of the independent Compagnie de Guyenne, founded by Michel Cost ten years earlier.
In 1993, in order to maintain the unique image of Meukow cognacs, a special “cat” packaging was invented. The bottle, adorned with a panther that changes color depending on the drink category, has become an icon of the brand and twice won the highest award from the National Institute of Design.
The graceful animal symbolizes strength, elegance and flexibility, which are the essential qualities of Meukow products.
Today, the company is still run by the Coast family. Cognacs of the House are sold in 80 countries of the world, delivered to the US State Department and the British House of Lords, and regularly receive awards from prestigious competitions.
Manufacturing specifics
The perfect balance that characterizes Meukow cognacs is the result of centuries of tradition and the dedicated work of the cellar masters. Mandatory stages of the original technology are:
Careful control of raw materials
For the manufacture of cognacs, grape spirits from six regions included in the Cognac AOC are used: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Bons Bois, Fins Bois, Borderies and Bois Ordinaires.
After a double distillation of the wine, the master selects the best samples of “eaux-de-vie” (living water).
Aging in oak barrels for at least 2 years
Throughout the ripening period, the chief specialist carefully controls the conditions, monitoring the humidity, temperature and other parameters of the cellars.
Individual cognacs have been stored in the cellar with the poetic name “Paradis” (Paradise) for more than 50 years.
“Marriage” of spirits of different ages
The art of mixing cognacs is akin to real magic, requiring from the master not only experience, but also developed intuition.
The result is a harmonious, fragrant nectar with a rich taste and complex character.
The main blends of Meukow are Grande and Petite Champagne cognacs, which bring floral notes to the bouquet. Components from Bons Bois, Fins Bois and Borderies give the drinks fruity aromas and woody notes.
what should be real cognac
Types of cognacs Meukow
The Maison’s collection consists of 3 lines: “Félin”, “Paradis” and “Liquor”.
Félin series:
90
Complex harmonious blend with aromas of candied orange, apple and almonds.
On the palate, woody-vanilla tones are noticeable. Finish: spicy licorice.
VS
A well-balanced blend that combines fruity roundness with delicate woody accents.
Main notes: nuts, candied orange, vanilla, spices.
Higher VSOP
An outstanding rich blend with a delicate character, winner of numerous awards.
Bouquet: fruity-floral, with tones of orange, apple, rose and plum.
Taste: powerful, juicy with hints of leather and licorice. Finish: spicy with coffee and vanilla tones.
Icons
A special elegant cognac, created in honor of the 150th anniversary of the company.
Aroma: bright, with hints of almond, walnut and hazelnut.
Taste: rounded, vanilla-coffee with a floral-fruity finish.
XO
An amazing blend that harmoniously combines the power of oak tannins, the delicacy of Grande and Petit Champagne spirits with the sweetness of “living water” from the Fins and Bons Bois regions.
The aroma is dominated by fruity notes of citrus and prunes.
Taste: intense, with bright nutty tones, powerful chocolate-leather plume.
XO Grande Champagne
An exclusive blend of Grande Champagne is a harmonious, refined, extremely balanced cognac with a fruity-floral bouquet.
Top notes: rancio, tobacco, leather, orange peel, prunes. Finish: spicy-floral with hints of gingerbread and confectionery spices.
Paradis series:
Extras
A special blend consisting of carefully selected oldest cognacs from the “paradise” cellar.
Nose: multi-layered, with accents of rancio wine, leather and tobacco.
Taste: fruity, with nutty-orange hues and a spicy cinnamon-liquorice finish.
Family spirit
A unique blend that combines the most prestigious Meukow cognacs.
Top notes: dried fruit, rancio, dark tobacco, walnut, chocolate, citrus zest, toffee and ginger.
Palme d’Or
A selection of rare vintages and exceptional blends compiled by the cellar master. Produced in limited edition.
No more no more
An exclusive blend of long aged spirits. Bottled in designer decanters created by Baccarat House in 1950.
Liquor series:
Vanilla
A harmonious blend that combines the subtle tenderness of cognac and the silky sweetness of vanilla.
Additional notes: narcissus, licorice, dried fruits, candied fruits, caramel, almonds, cinnamon.
Suitable for drinking neat, with ice or in cocktails.
Xpresso
Coffee-cognac liqueur that combines the smoothness and sweetness of two elements.
Main notes: roasted coffee, burnt oak, dark chocolate, bitter orange.
Tasting is recommended frozen, as part of a cocktail or with desserts.
In addition, the company produces cocktails based on spirits and a limited series of “colored” cognacs.
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Relevance: 14.06.2019
Tags: Brandy and Cognac, Cognac Brands