Mulberry or mulberry vodka is a drink with more than a thousand-year history. Until now, no one knows the exact date of the appearance of this alcohol, and even more so no one knows the true recipe that underlies alcohol. And all due to the fact that even today a large part of the population of Armenia carefully stores their family unique recipes for mulberry vodka with an inimitable taste. “Artsakh Mulberry” is a one-of-a-kind, seasoned and strong alcoholic beverage that has a delicate aroma and a mild exceptional taste. Crystal clear water for vodka is taken from mountain springs, and for the preparation of the drink itself, berries of mulberry or white mulberry are used. “Artsakh” is considered part of the distinctive national culture of Armenia.
Features of the Armenian product
Connoisseurs of alcohol affairs believe that the first time this drink appeared on the territory of the Artsakh region of the Caucasus region. The product developed along with the wines. But in this area produce wine products for everybody. But the mulberry tree is loved and revered from the very moment it appeared.
The features of Artsakh Mulberry vodka include its multifaceted taste and strength, which is 40-75 percent. The aroma of the drink feels chords of mulberry berries, a full palette of herbs and woody notes. In order to be imbued with the philosophy of “Artsakh”, just take one sip of this drink.
“Artsakh mulberry” is a rather strong alcohol. Depending on the method of production and the type of drink, its strength can reach 75 percent. The softness and luxurious aroma of vodka only benefit her, making her not only pleasant to the taste, but also absolutely not heavy.
A product is made using a method somewhat reminiscent of a brandy product. But the features of the raw materials used and a number of other nuances make the mulberry tree unique and one of a kind. To create a product, use mulberry berries. These fruits are distinguished not only by a pronounced taste range, but also by the abundance of vitamins. Caucasians therefore often indulge themselves with such vodka as a disease prevention and use it as a healing elixir.
Making a drink
Mulberry fruits are drupes, like blackberries or raspberries. They can have purple, red or white. It all depends on the type of tree. The use of certain fruits directly affects the taste of the finished drink. For example, the sweetest will be the white berries of the mulberry.
To make “Artsakh Mulberry”, the mulberry crop is harvested in mid-June. It is then that the fruits reach their greatest sweetness. Berries crushed from a tree are passed through a juicer. Then passes the period of fermentation. At the same time, neither yeast nor sugar is added to the mulberry juice, which is why the drink is completely natural. Distillation is the last stage of production. It is very similar to the manufacture of tequila, calvados and brandy.
The strength of the resulting alcohol reaches 70%. It is poured into barrels made of mulberry wood and aged for one to three years. Before pouring the aged drink into bottles, it is blended with water, which makes it possible to make the taste of vodka softer and the strength less. After blending is complete, the product is cooled and kept in the cellar for another three months. Then the vodka is subjected to final purification and bottled.
“Golden Artsakh”
One of the varieties of this drink is “Artsakh Mulberry Golden”. This variety of vodka has a rich shade of pure gold with an amber, warm tone. “Golden Artsakh” has a noble, complex taste, in which notes of dried pear, allspice, turmeric and buckwheat honey slip. A long aftertaste captivates with warm accords of freshly baked bread and ginger.
Even the most exhausted traveler will be filled with energy and vigor, taking only a few sips of this drink. The golden grade of vodka is aged for three years, and it reaches a fortress of 57 percent. They drink such vodka with ice or in pure form.
The drink entered the Russian market for the first time in 1999. And at the same time, at the prestigious exhibition "Prodexpo 1999" he received the Gold Medal. After some time, vodka gained recognition outside our country.
Silver vodka
“Artsakh Mulberry Silver” has 45% strength and one year of aging. A product is made using classical technology, which is used worldwide for the manufacture of berry brandy. But the specificity of the raw materials used determines the application of local traditional techniques at the preparatory stage.
Due to the fact that the product is aged in mulberry barrels, “Silver Artsakh” acquires a transparent, light gold color with a fawn tone. An expressive and very active bouquet consists of plums, white mulberry and lily. At the end, the microtexture of a freshly sawn wood with a dimly perceptible smoky note is felt.
It is best to use “Mulberry Silver Artsakh” with meat dishes and fish.
“Platinum Artsakh”
The real symbol of prestige is “Artsakh Mulberry Platinum”, which is kept in wood barrels for at least five years. The strength of the final product reaches 51%.
The aroma of platinum is revealed gradually and slowly, showing chords of vanilla, smoked meats and caramel. Thanks to this mix of “Platinum” flavors, mulberry vodka is perfectly combined with dishes of Oriental and Japanese cuisine.
The drink has a beautiful yellow-orange color with a green overflow, which expresses the nobility of this variety of vodka. To use a mulberry the best of all is not chilled, but when it reaches room temperature.
Odes about Mulberry Vodka
“Artsakh Mulberry” reviews from consumers receive mostly good. Some people emphasize that it is an incredibly healthy product for the stomach, while others like the softness with which it is drunk.
But everyone who drank this drink speaks of its rather strong fortress. True, as gourmets say, it only benefits vodka and does not interfere with its use. Consumers love her and choose her almost always when they are in the company of friends and enjoy delicious dishes.