Cognacs from Armenia in the territory of the countries of the former USSR were considered elite drinks, not accessible to everyone. With the collapse of the Union, the situation changed a bit – the CIS market has more alcohol from the countries of Western Europe and America. Armenian brandy is still actively imported by Britain, Japan, Germany. 90% of products are intended for export, and 80% of them (about half a million bottles) are for the Russian market. “Old Yerevan” is one of those drinks. It is made for lovers of Armenian cognac in Russia, Russian retail chains.
Now on the manufacturer’s website there is no mention of “Old Yerevan” and “Armel” cognac, similar in design, although they can be found in stores. This means that Hayasi Group LLC has produced a small batch and is unlikely to repeat it. And the design of the Old Yerevan bottle is very different from the branded drinks of this company: Hayasy cognacs are bottled in heavy, strict decanter bottles, while Old Yerevan and Armel, created for the Russian market, are bottled in rounded and corrugated vessels with an elegant neck.
Hayasy: created with feeling
This is exactly what the slogan of the company, established in 2010 and rapidly developing against the backdrop of old-style enterprises – ArArAt and Noy companies, well-known far beyond the borders of Armenia, sounds like. The production buildings of Hayasi Group are located in the village of Voskevaz (translated from Armenian as “golden vine”), located near Yerevan. The territory of the plant covers an area of 60 thousand square meters. The workshops of the enterprise are equipped with Italian and French equipment, the heads of production processes have been trained at European factories, and the average age of craftsmen and managers does not exceed thirty-five years. Despite the youth of the management team of the company, the traditions of the cognac business of Armenia are steadily observed.
Hayasy drinks are characterized by a sweetish aroma and a soft velvety taste with a slightly tart aftertaste – features that have always distinguished Armenian brandies from all others, including French cognacs. If perfumery aromas are characteristic of French cognacs, then the main shade of Armenian ones is vanilla. Sugar syrup is traditionally added to Armenian drinks, and local Caucasian oak barrels provide an original astringency with a warm aftertaste.
The assortment of Hayasy Group includes almost all types of alcohol – from cognac and gin to low-alcohol beer. Products are exported to Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, China, Georgia.
Characteristics of cognac “Old Yerevan”
In the manufacture of “Old Yerevan” pure water from mountain springs is used – it lowers the strength of the drink. Experts are sure that spring water has a beneficial effect on taste – it gives it a velvety touch. The quality of cognac spirits was influenced by the abundance of sun in the vineyards of the region – thanks to it, autochthonous grape varieties become even sweeter. And the low level of humidity in this area contributes to a soft, unhurried exposure.
Amber-golden drink smells pleasantly of southern fruits and vanilla, cinnamon notes and astringency of oak are barely perceptible. Fruity shades are felt in a harmonious taste – juicy pear, smoked prunes, caramelized candied fruit. Chocolate aftertaste warms and softens the fortress.
Cognac is recommended as a digestif – with coffee, or an aperitif before dinner. It goes well with white grapes or apples, emphasizes the taste of hard cheeses, sets off the cigar aroma and is harmonious with dark chocolate.
