Armenian cognac: gradation + review of 6 brands

Real Armenian cognac is an elite product whose quality is controlled by the laws of the Republic of Armenia. Unlike the local brandy called Arbun, this drink is made exclusively from grapes that grow only in some regions of Armenia. It is this product that gives Armenian cognac its unforgettable taste and aroma.

Gradation of Armenian cognacs

The main indicators of cognac quality are the term and conditions of aging. Depending on them, this alcohol is divided into the following types:

1. Ordinary cognac

   This includes a product aged from three to five years. These are relatively inexpensive, but very worthy representatives of the family. And when they talk about Armenian cognac "5 stars", it should be understood as a drink of five years of aging.

2. Vintage cognac

   These drinks are older than 5 years. Solid, with a rich blend and delicate aroma. A great gift and a real decoration for a home or office bar. Armenian brandy is distinguished by the code "XO" (Extra Old), which means it has been aged for more than 6 years.

3. Collection cognacs

   A true masterpiece of cognac art. These drinks are an improved version of vintage ones. Instead of bottling them, such alcohol is additionally aged for 3 or more years. The result is a drink worthy of the gods.

Overview of popular brands

Ararat. The most famous Armenian cognac. Ararat is a line of ordinary alcohol aged for 3-5 years and with a strength of 40-42%. These drinks offer a rich, intense flavor with tart notes of fruit and a pleasant aftertaste. In addition, they are very common and can be found almost everywhere.

Ararat stands alone with an aging of 5 years. Unlike the "fruity" flavors of younger versions, its bouquet contains notes of dark chocolate. They give it a special flavor that has been pleasing to the first generation of connoisseurs.

Maneh. This brand of the Proshiansky Cognac Factory is a rare guest of wine shops. The thing is that it is produced in small batches that are sold out very quickly. Therefore, if you come across a bottle of Armenian Manet cognac, don't hesitate to buy it. You will not lose.

The Manet line includes such cognacs:

1. VS - aged for 3 years, 40% strength. It has a pleasant creamy vanilla aroma and a rich aftertaste with notes of roasted almonds.

2. VSOP - aging from 4 years, strength 40%. Its bouquet is dominated by the aromas of cherries and prunes, complemented by the taste of honey, vanilla and chocolate. The aftertaste is decorated with coffee and chocolate.

3. XO - a real "Extra Old", aged for 8 years and with a strength of 40%. But despite its age, it has a mild taste of coffee and chocolate with a tart aroma of Karabakh oak.

Golden. A series of Armenian cognacs bottled at the enterprises of CJSC "MAP". The main representatives of the line are:

1. "Golden. 3 years VS". The drink is light chestnut in color. It has a chocolate and vanilla flavor with an admixture of floral aromas.

2. "Golden. 5 years VSOP". Its color is liquid gold. The aroma of flowers is set off by notes of oak.

3. "Golden. XO". This alcohol aged for over 7 years offers gourmets a rich palette of flavors based on vanilla and chocolate.

A distinctive feature of the series is the presence of gold leaf particles in the bottles. This noble metal gives the drinks a unique charm and a special atmosphere of luxury.

Noah. Armenian brandy Noah is made exclusively from white grapes. It includes 3 varieties, each of which has its own unique features.

1. Noah Araspel. Aged for 3 or 5 years. The taste is revealed gradually. At first, a little bit of burning, but then it turns into a velvety vanilla flavor, flavored with chocolate. The aftertaste is long and very pleasant.

2. Noah Classic. Aging up to 20 years. The rich taste of dark chocolate is complemented by the aftertaste of old oak. An ideal drink for a relaxing evening and leisurely conversation.

3. Noah Traditional. Aging - 5 years. An ordinary cognac, an excellent choice for a dinner party.

Arakhtan. Produced by Great Valley, a company located in the Ararat Valley. Just like Manet, it is aged in Caucasian oak barrels, which gives the drink an unforgettable flavor.

The line consists of three representatives. All of them have a strength of 42%:

1. Arakhtan 3 stars. Its blend consists of grape spirits aged 3-5 years. The taste combines a grape and apple base with features of candied fruit and nutmeg.

2. Arakhtan 5 stars. It is made using alcohols of 5-10 years of aging, which gives it a golden hue. The drink is characterized by the aroma of orange and walnut, which perfectly dilutes the strong taste of white grapes.

3. Arakhtan the Seven Year Old. A distinctive feature of this aged alcohol is its taste. The bouquet contains notes of fruits, flowers and oriental spices. The aftertaste lasts for a long time, giving warmth and tranquility.

Kochari. Another famous brand of "Ararat", combining excellent taste, moderate strength and delicate aroma. It will appeal to both a gourmet who requires refined sensations and a simple connoisseur of good alcohol.

Kochari includes the following drinks:

1. Kochari 3 years. An ordinary three-year old brandy that pleases with aromas of dried apricots and prunes. Its taste combines the sweetness of fruit and the tartness of vanilla.

2. Kochari 5 years old. It is distinguished from a three-year-old drink by a smoked flavor given to it by smoked prunes.

3. Kochari 7 years old. The most aged in the series. Its bouquet is based on orange candied fruits, vanilla and dried fruits. And all this is framed by a delicate flavor of dark chocolate.

And that's it. Thus, many exquisite Armenian cognacs aged up to 15 years and older have remained beyond the border. But it would take a whole book to list their advantages. So, when choosing a worthy drink for yourself and your friends, do not pass by the bottles originating from Armenia. They will not disappoint you.

Update: 02.07.2018

Category: Brandy and Cognac