Cognacs of Crimea: history in short, classification + review of 5 brands

The Crimean peninsula has a mild climate, similar to the terroir of the homeland of cognac – France. Growing conditions and production technologies of an amber drink are very important for obtaining a drink of the best quality, otherwise the drink will be of very poor quality and will not have a single “star”.

History of cognacs of the Crimea

Until 1961, Crimea was famous exclusively for the production of wine, but the Soviet government decided to establish the production of strong drinks. The task was started by two wineries “Simferopolsky” and “Koktebel”.

In 1965, Koktebel produced the first three-star Crimean cognac. Two years later, the first vintage cognac was produced for the 50th anniversary of Soviet power. Since then, production has increased and won a significant part of the market for alcoholic beverages.

Classification of Crimean cognacs

  1. Star or ordinary

    The label of the drink indicates the marking of the drink in the form of stars.

    The number of stars indicates the period of aging in oak barrels of cognac spirits used to make cognac, traditionally from 2 to 5 years.

    Ordinary cognacs have an alcoholic aroma and a sharper taste.

  2. Vintage

    Cognacs are made from high quality alcohol, aged for 5 to 8 years.

    Characteristic features are drinks with a harmonious aroma and expensive taste.

  3. Collectible

    Cognac, which has undergone a very long exposure, made from the highest quality spirits.

    Strong drink has remarkable organoleptic properties

Popular brands of Crimean cognac

  1. Ai-petri

    A well-known type of cognac, which gained popularity in the post-Soviet space, produced by the Simferopol Wine and Brandy Factory.

    The drink has a bright amber color with golden highlights, has a mild taste with floral hints and a chocolate aftertaste.

  2. Cognac Kutuzov 25 stars

    This drink belongs to the best strong drinks of the Crimea, produced by the Koktebel plant.

    Kutuzov is one of the three most famous cognacs on the French alcohol market.

    A brown amber color drink, the aroma is dominated by bitter chocolate tones and hints of herbs. The taste is soft, velvety with tones of apples and caramel.

  3. Massandra

    This brand of cognac is one of the most popular in the line of the Magliv alcoholic beverages manufacturer.

    Refers to ordinary cognacs with a mild taste and aroma without harsh odors.

  4. Jean-Jacques

    Inexpensive brandy from the manufacturer “Golden Amphora” with a seasoned soft sweetish taste.

    The color of the drink is bright gold, the aroma of candied fruits and spicy spices.

  5. Donkey

    The manufacturer “Magliv” produces this drink using traditional French technologies.

    Cognac amber color with sweet almond flavor and vanilla aftertaste.

What to serve Crimean cognac with

Traditionally, cognac is poured into special stemmed snifters with a narrow neck, the warmth of the hand warms up a strong drink and consumes it in small sips.

For those who do not accept the traditional way of tasting, meat snacks and olives are used as snacks for ordinary cognacs. Vintage cognac goes well with dark chocolate and coffee.

Collection cognacs are consumed exclusively in pure form or in combination with a cigar.

Relevance: 21.02.2020

Tags: Brandy and Cognac, Brandy Brands

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