Kochari (Armenian: Քոչարի) is the name of the Armenian national male dance. Cognac was given this name to emphasize the strength and purpose of the drink: its spicy taste and somewhat harsh aroma is designed for fans of strong drinks.
Historical reference. Kochari is a drink of the most famous Armenian factory “ArArAt”, whose history began in 1887, when the enterprising merchant Tairyan built the distillery. True, in 1899 it passed into the hands of the Shustov company, which by the beginning of the XNUMXth century produced cognacs at the factory for the court of the Russian Emperor Nicholas.
The first “star” blender of the enterprise was Mkrtych Musinyants, who presented the Armenian vintage cognac “Fin-Champagne” at the Paris exhibition and won the Grand Prix and world recognition due to the high quality of the drink. It was then that the Armenian cognac got the opportunity to be called cognac, with the blessing of the French masters from Cognac.
But after the Sovietization of Armenia, the plant was nationalized, then attached to two more enterprises, creating an alcohol plant, where they produced wine, vodka and cognac. Already after the Second World War, a new building was built and in 1953 the Yerevan Brandy Factory moved.
After the collapse of the USSR, the plant became part of the alcohol giant Pernod Ricard Group. By that time, the company was on the verge of bankruptcy, and, if not for Pernod Ricard, it would have been sold under the hammer. This happened in 1998, and in 2002 the Yerevan brandy factory “ArArAt” merged with the Armenian concern “MultiGroup”, completely updated the equipment and reconstructed its premises.
Interesting facts from the history of “ArArAt”
- The factory has its own ghost. A perennial oak grew near the gates of the enterprise, under the crowns of which tired travelers often rested. One day this place was chosen for a picnic by a cheerful company. During a friendly feast with plentiful libations, the unfinished remains from the glasses began to splash out under this oak tree. And then the clouds thickened in the sky, a thunderstorm gathered, and with the first clap of thunder, lightning hit the flaming tree, from which only the root remained as a result. He remained in the ground as a reminder: it is unacceptable to pour out the product of skillful cognac masters.
- Named barrels of many heads of state are stored in the cellars of the plant, government scales stand next to them. When visiting, a high-ranking guest is offered to weigh himself and then presented with a barrel of his favorite cognac, corresponding to the weight.
- There is also a large Barrel of Peace in the cellars, which is going to be opened in case of reconciliation between Armenia and Azerbaijan after the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.
- Cognacs “Ararat EKVVK” are made from 13 varieties of white grapes growing in Armenia, autochthonous.
- The grapes are pressed by hand so as not to damage the grape seeds, due to which bitterness may appear in the drink.
- Barrels made of Karabakh oak are used for aging. Due to the softness and porosity of wood, they serve no more than 80 years. In new barrels, spirits mature for no more than six months – young wood is too aggressive.
Types of cognacs Kochari
- Kochari 3 Years Old (40%). Classic ordinary cognac of golden color with a pleasant aroma of dried apricots, prunes and vanilla. Harmonious fruity-vanilla taste and a short warm aftertaste. Served as a digestif.
- Kochari 5 Years Old (40%). A classic ordinary drink made from five-year-old cognac spirits. Fruity aroma with notes of dried apricots and smoked prunes. Balanced taste with hints of dried fruits and vanilla. Slightly tart almond aftertaste. Recommended as a digestif.
- Kochari 7 Years Old (40%). Seven-year-old cognac of golden tea color with the aroma of candied orange, vanilla and dried apricots. Multifaceted taste with hints of candied fruit and chocolate. Warming almond aftertaste. Served as a digestif, goes well with fruits and desserts.
