In our country, almost the entire adult population in one way or another uses alcohol. And while for some, alcoholic beverages are an integral part of entertainment, for others, these are new tastes of quality drinks. How to choose and drink such a noble drink like cognac, how it is produced and what are the features, it is worth to learn more.
What is the peculiarity of cognac?
Cognac is a strong alcoholic drink based on cognac alcohol, which is subject to a complex process of technological processing. To obtain brandy alcohol, grapes are used, which serves as the basis for wine material. After a long and complex process of processing, wine is obtained from cognac spirit, whose strength reaches 70%. But only further proper processing and proper exposure allow you to get a real noble drink with the name we are familiar with.
Cognac is an aristocratic drink. It has a rich taste, rich bouquet of aroma and unique pairs. In order to fully experience the whole range of sensations from drinking this noble drink, it is better to use it from special glasses - cognac. The special shape of the brandy glasses allows you to enjoy the aroma and only then taste the drink.
Cognac or brandy?
The familiar term “cognac” means alcoholic products that are produced in a limited area - in the province of Cognac (France). Raw materials must be collected from the vineyards there, because the special geographical location and humidity provide the aroma and richness of the grapes used for the production of cognac.
Also, in order to bear the proud name of a noble drink, cognac must be subjected to strictly specified processing technology and aging. Therefore, to buy real cognac in the territory of our country is available only to very wealthy people.
All the drinks that we used to call cognac should be called brandy. It is also a strong alcoholic beverage based on processing wine materials, but its production does not have as many requirements as the manufacture of cognac. Therefore, brandy can be produced using simplified technology anywhere in the world.
Is there an alternative?
Connoisseurs of noble and high-quality drinks do not always have the opportunity to get or buy cognac made in France or Italy.
Those who appreciate the taste and aroma, but do not want to overpay for import duties and transportation costs, should pay attention to the Russian brandy “Old Town”.
Its production is carried out by the Moscow wine and cognac factory KiN, which has existed on the alcohol market for 75 years and today is a leader in the production of high-quality cognacs and wines.
For the manufacture of this drink, the latest technologies are used in combination with high-quality raw materials, while the classical production process that has existed for centuries is not violated. Leading specialists of this enterprise have worked for a long time to achieve the unique aroma, taste and aftertaste that the Old Town cognac leaves.
Production technology
Brandy production is a complex technological process that not every enterprise can carry out. The Moscow wine and cognac factory KiN received a certificate from the international environmental fund and regularly confirms certificates of compliance with international quality standards according to the ISO and GOST systems. This suggests that the production of this enterprise does not use chemical and harmful additives, and the finished product passes the most stringent control. The quality that the Old Town brandy can be proud of is checked by four factory laboratories.
The manufacturing technology and aging of the noble drink does not depart from the classical scheme that came to us from France. Only now modern equipment is used for this, which ensures that the distillation and distillation of brandy alcohol will not be clouded by impurities or microbes.
Therefore, we can say with confidence that the production of cognac “Old Town” meets the highest quality standards, which means that the finished product can satisfy the needs of the most capricious connoisseur.
What are the stars talking about?
Choosing cognac for yourself or as a gift, you should know about the classification, which is accepted all over the world, and we are better known as "stars".
The number of stars on the brandy or brandy label indicates how many years the drink has been aged. There is also a letter designation for cognac aging, which is easy to remember:
- Three to five years of aging are indicated by the letters VS.
- If the drink is aged for 6-7 years, you will see the VSOP marking.
- Brandy or cognac of the best quality, which is aged in oak barrels for 8-10 years, will be designated XO.
- Luxury brand drinks, which were aged 10-15 years, are marked with the Latin letters KS (XO).
- Collectible drinks, which are not easy to buy even for a lot of money, have more than 20 years of aging and a mark on the label of XHO or Extra.
The most famous world manufacturers of cognac are Hennesy and Camus. But domestic cognac “Old Town” can yield to them only at a price.
How to choose cognac?
When choosing a noble drink such as brandy or cognac, it is better to follow the rule "less is better." The purpose of drinking this strong alcoholic drink is to enjoy the taste and aroma in a pleasant atmosphere, and not to absorb it in an excessive amount.
Such drinks should be bought only in specialized stores, this guarantees the quality of the drink and saves you from buying counterfeit products. Give preference to better-known brands that are well established in the market for certain alcoholic beverages, such as the Old Town cognac. The price of a domestic drink will always be lower than its foreign counterparts (about 750 rubles per 0.5 liter), but do not forget that a quality product will never be too cheap.
Of course, the more cognac is aged, the richer and richer its taste, but it is worth noting that the price of the drink increases with the number of stars.
For a gift to a friend or colleague, a drink is best suited, the exposure of which is at least 6-7 years. 5-year-old Old Town cognac is more suitable for a gala dinner or a family holiday. Collectible cognacs are an exclusive present for a special occasion.
The taste and aroma of a noble drink can be appreciated only by true lovers. The modern market offers the widest range of cognac and brandy for every taste. But do not forget that this is a strong alcoholic drink, the excessive use of which can seriously harm your health. But in small quantities, it will help to spend an unforgettable evening or celebration.