Most connoisseurs are accustomed to see manufacturers of Armenia and Georgia on the brandy wine charts. Indeed, these countries are known throughout the world as a benchmark for the quality of alcoholic beverages, as they adhere to the verified recipes and carefully monitor the quality of raw materials. However, Kyrgyz cognac is not inferior to its eminent competitors. A certain narrow-mindedness of the consumer's views, as well as the relative youth of the drink from Kyrgyzstan, provided alcohol with a low cost with a conditionally high quality.
You can meet such a drink not only in the CIS, but also outside of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, since the products are gradually reaching the world level. Together with a rich taste and aroma, provided by a thorough recipe and national raw materials, Kyrgyz cognac worthily took its place in the line of well-known products from houses with a worldwide reputation and is a great addition to any collection.
Manufacturer and emphasis in the recipe
At present, there are several dozen brandy producers in the country, but three trademarks should be noted: Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, and Manas. This three leaders adopted the technology of alcohol production from French partners, and then supplemented it with national flavor. The resulting "mixture" has an extraordinary taste, as the blend contains traditional notes, and at the same time quality.
Kyrgyz cognac may not compete with the Bordeaux appellation or other eminent manufacturers, but it is able to compete in the middle price segment. Significant product diversification allows you to choose an analogue to the taste of every connoisseur.
Blend and subtleties of production
Blend varies significantly depending on the manufacturer. The conditional standard remains distillation and aging in barrels of roasted French or Italian oak, giving the drink woody notes in the taste palette and aroma. Also, one of three varieties of industrial grapes is used in production. We are talking about Rkatsiteli, Bayan-Shirey and Swim.
Vineyards are concentrated in the south and east of the country. Geolocation has a direct impact on the taste of the blend. The farther south the grapes were grown, the sweeter the drink will be, which will also delight connoisseurs with subtle floral notes in the aroma and a spicy aftertaste. Eastern and northern blends are more fortified and have a bright woody flavor.
External data and differences
Kyrgyz cognac, reviews of which speak of a decent taste of the drink, also “take” the buyer with excellent external data, characteristic of more status analogues. For example, cognac "Kyrgyzstan" has a rich honey shade of brown color with golden tints. Withstand it for 12, 24, 36 or 48 months. The stopping of alcohol takes place in French oak barrels, which gives the drink a distinctive aroma. In the photo, Kyrgyz cognac is presented in all its glory. As you can see, it can become not only a table decoration, but also a private collection, since it has its own personality, not typical for the French school of cognac houses.
Taste palette
Customer reviews of Kyrgyz cognac indicate a rich flavor palette. The prevailing positions in it are chocolate, vanilla, walnut and tobacco. Depending on the manufacturer, accents on herbs, including anise, and woody notes also appear. Taste palette is rich and deep. Each emphasis complements the big picture. The older the drink, the wider its benefits and features are revealed. For example, Bishkek, 5- and 7-year-old, acquires the flavor of candied fruits, and the aroma becomes sweeter. Between themselves, drinks of the same age category are conditionally equal, since it is unjustified to rank different tastes by 1, 2 and 3 places.
Fortress and endurance
The fortress of Kyrgyz cognac often exceeds the mark of 40 degrees. This is dictated by the characteristics of the blend of the drink and the specifics of the grape varieties. Extract of the drink starts mainly from 2-3 years and reaches a maximum of 7-8 years. The latter category refers to the so-called alcohol with the potential, when each additional year of aging gives the drink new facets of taste. Served as an original drink, without a snack. It should be consumed chilled to a standard 16
° C , stored at a temperature not lower than 5
° C. Cognac has been fully certified and meets international quality standards.
To take or not?
There is an opinion that good cognac costs any money, and the purchase of a deliberately less “status” drink threatens at least a meal spoiled by a slurred taste.
Kyrgyz brandy as a whole is able to compete with local counterparts, although it loses to more seasoned appellations with a proven recipe and an old approach to production. Kyrgyzstan has recently entered the segment of cognac and other alcoholic beverages, which makes the products of this state conditionally available in the regional and national markets.
Together with excellent quality, this is a serious factor in favor of buying such alcohol. The taste qualities of the largest manufacturers and their features largely depend directly on the consumer. In any case, you should remember the measure and not abuse cognac. Neglect of this rule threatens with negative consequences.