Have you ever seen cognac shimmering and playing in the sun? This wonderful drink is used not only as alcohol, but also as a medicinal one. Many recommend it after hypothermia, some make tinctures based on it.
What is cognac?
Cognac is a kind of strong drink like brandy. It is made in a particular region of France from a special grape variety. Now we are talking, of course, about real cognac. There are many fakes and low-quality copies of this expensive drink.
Few people know that cognac is an original French drink. Its production is documented and strictly geographically limited. So, under the name "brandy" can only be produced alcoholic beverage made by special technology in the department of Charente, France. All other drinks produced in other regions and countries should be called brandy.
History
The creation of cognac began in the 11th century in the city of Cognac. When merchants bought wine from local vineyards and transported it by sea, it lost its taste and a large share of alcohol. It was then that local craftsmen came up with the so-called wine distillate, which was subsequently diluted with water to the consistency of wine. “Burnt wine” was transported for a long time in oak barrels and over time acquired a specific taste. It was then that it was noticed that this product can be drunk without diluting, and it becomes tastier if it is stored in barrels for some time.
Then the wine distillation apparatuses were modernized and complicated, and in the end a real full-fledged drink began to be produced. Cognac slowly filled the markets, bars and hotels.
What is Abkhaz cognac?
This drink is produced in the country of culture and historical heritage from the best grape varieties. It should be noted that chacha is cognac or a strong alcoholic drink with an alcohol content of 45 to 75%. Get it from the solid fraction of grapes after fermentation - pulp.
Manufacture
There are two ways to make chachi. The famous Abkhaz cognac is prepared at home and at the factory. To do this, choose several unripe grapes - this gives a pleasant aroma and astringent taste to the finished product.
The secret of making chachi is to preserve alcohol from the first to the last drop in the process of distillation. Thus, the taste is slightly spicy and tart.
Some types of cognac in Abkhazia, produced industrially, do not stand in barrels, but are immediately bottled. So, if you have a seasoned chacha in your hands, be sure - this is elite alcohol.
Use
The hospitable Abkhazian people always treat their guests with wine or chacha with a snack. According to their customs, the guest cannot refuse. You will even be offered a lodging for the night if you want to plunge into the historical culture and customs of this people "with your head."
Abkhazian cognac is drunk in small glasses even in the morning in cold weather. Snack such a drink in different ways, it all depends on the location. In some parts of the country, these are pickles, and somewhere else - and sweet dishes.
Cognac can be consumed both in pure form and in cocktails. By the way, most connoisseurs of this drink prefer to enjoy its natural taste and aroma. It’s not a secret to anyone that meat is marinated in cognac and added to pastries and desserts.
Varieties of chachi and its storage
Some are sure that cognac tastes approximately the same. However, the true connoisseurs of this drink know that real brandy can be distinguished by taste and smell.
Real Abkhaz cognacs, whose names are sometimes very bizarre, always stand in oak barrels. The average calorie content of such a drink is from 230 to 250 kcal, the bulk of which are carbohydrates. Cognac can be aged for more than 6 years (labeling KV), KVVK means aging for more than 8 years and a high quality drink, but if you want to try cognac with aging for more than 10 years, then look for the designation KS.
Abkhazian brandy Tsandripsh has a pronounced and rich taste. Got this drink its name from the city in which it is made. Such a drink may have a bright brown color or golden chocolate.
Abkhazian brandy "Ainar" has a more delicate taste and astringent oak smell. Its texture is slightly reminiscent of maple syrup. Such a drink is perfect for meat and pickles.
Do not store bottles with a noble drink in a horizontal position, because alcohol can react with a cork. If you want to put aside a bottle that is not fully drunk, then you should tightly close it with a lid and place it in a case. The opinion that open cognac during storage improves its taste is wrong. That is why you should not store this drink for a long time.
Abkhazian cognac: customer reviews
Many connoisseurs of this drink know that real chacha can be tasted only in Abkhazia itself. By the way, most lovers of this strong drink claim that it is very well made at home.
Men are advised to purchase Abkhaz cognac in specialized stores, so the risk of acquiring a fake is reduced. Buyers note the many positive qualities of a noble drink.
Even some women have discovered many positive aspects of cognac, insisting on herbs (for medicinal purposes) and making various cocktails. By the way, many popular recipes for healing drinks contain in their composition just a strong alcoholic drink - Abkhaz cognac.
Do not forget about the countless positive reviews about this drink of culinary experts and cooks. Marinades for meat, impregnation for baking and syrup for many desserts - all this contains cognac.