Meukov cognac: history, types and taste overview
French cognac with Russian roots is a true work of art, and this statement applies to both the internal contents of the bottle and its appearance.
Meukow drinks, created by royal order, were born to satisfy the most sophisticated connoisseurs and decorate the tables of noblemen.
The brand can be recognized by the original embossed bottle with a wild cat on the label.
History of the Meukov brand
In 1850, the brothers August-Christophe and Gustave Meukov left Silesia for France on behalf of the Russian Tsar. They had to study the cognac assortment and organize the supply of the best drinks to the court of Alexander II.
The brothers were so fascinated by the art of creating "living water" that they decided to start their own brand of alcohol. A new company called A.C. MEUKOW & Co. House" was opened in 1862 in the city of Cognac.
At first, the company was actively supported by the mayor of the city Henri Buro, who was one of its shareholders. Thanks to a fortunate combination of circumstances and the high quality of the cognacs, the brand's products enjoyed exceptional success, and the company grew rapidly.
In 1979, the company became part of the independent structure "Compagnie de Guyenne", founded by Michel Cost ten years earlier.
In 1993, in order to maintain the unique image of Meukow cognacs, a special "cat" packaging was invented. The bottle, decorated with a panther that changes color depending on the category of the drink, has become an icon of the brand and has twice been awarded the highest award of the National Institute of Design.
The graceful animal symbolizes strength, elegance and flexibility, which are the inherent qualities of Meukow products.
Today the company is still managed by the Cost family. The cognacs of the House are sold in 80 countries, they are supplied to the US State Department and the British House of Lords, and regularly receive awards at prestigious competitions.
Specifics of production
The perfect balance characteristic of Meukow cognacs is the result of preserving centuries-old traditions and the dedicated work of cellar masters. The mandatory stages of the original technology are:
Careful control of raw materials
For the production of cognacs, grape spirits from six regions included in the Cognac AOC are used: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Bons Bois, Fins Bois, Borderies and Bois Ordinaires.
After double distillation of the wine, the master selects the best samples of "eaux-de-vie" (living water).
Aging in oak barrels for at least 2 years
Throughout the entire maturation period, the chief specialist carefully monitors the conditions, tracking humidity, temperature and other cellar parameters.
Some cognacs have been stored in the cellar with the poetic name "Paradis" (Paradise) for more than 50 years.
"Marriage" of spirits of different ages
The art of mixing cognacs is akin to real magic, requiring not only experience but also a developed intuition from the master.
The result is a harmonious, aromatic nectar with a rich flavor and complex character.
The main blends in Meukow are Grande and Petite Champagne cognacs, which bring floral notes to the bouquet. Components from Bons Bois, Fins Bois and Borderies give the drinks fruity aromas and woody hints.
Types of Meukow cognacs
The collection of the House consists of 3 lines: "Félin, Paradis and Liquor.
Félin series:
90
A complex harmonious blend with the aroma of candied orange, apple and almonds.
Woody vanilla hints are noticeable in the taste. Finish: spicy and liquorice.
VS
A well-balanced blend that combines fruity roundness with delicate woody accents.
Main notes: nuts, candied orange, vanilla, spices.
VSOP Superior
An outstanding rich blend with a delicate character, winner of numerous awards.
Bouquet: fruity and floral, with tones of orange, apple, rose and plum.
Taste: powerful, juicy with hints of leather and liquorice. Aftertaste: spicy with coffee and vanilla tones.
Icone
A special elegant cognac created in honor of the company's 150th anniversary.
Aroma: bright, with hints of almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts.
Taste: round, vanilla and coffee with a floral and fruity finish.
XO
An amazing blend that harmoniously combines the power of oak tannins, the delicacy of Grand and Petit Champagne spirits with the sweetness of "living water" from the Fins and Bons Bois regions.
The aroma is dominated by fruity notes of citrus and prunes.
Taste: intense, with bright nutty tones, a powerful chocolate and leather aftertaste.
XO Grande Champagne
Exclusive blend of Grand Champagne - harmonious, refined, extremely balanced cognac with a fruity and floral bouquet.
Main notes: "rancio", tobacco, leather, orange peel, prunes. Aftertaste: spicy and floral with tones of gingerbread and confectionery spices.
Paradis series:
Extra
A special blend consisting of carefully selected oldest cognacs from the "paradise" cellar.
Aroma: multilayered, with accents of rancio wine, leather and tobacco.
Taste: fruity, with nutty orange hints and a spicy cinnamon-liquorice finish.
Esprit de Famille
A unique blend that combines the most prestigious cognacs of the House of Meukow.
Top notes: dried fruits, rancio, dark tobacco, walnut, chocolate, citrus zest, iris and ginger.
Palme d’Or
A selection of rare vintages and exceptional blends compiled by the cellar master. Available in a limited edition.
Nec Plus Ultra
Exclusive blend of long-aged spirits. Poured into designer decanters created by Baccarat House in 1950.
Liquor series:
Vanilla
A harmonious blend that combines the delicate tenderness of cognac and the silky sweetness of vanilla.
Additional notes: narcissus, liquorice, dried fruits, candied fruits, caramel, almonds, cinnamon.
Suitable for consumption neat, on the rocks or in cocktails.
Xpresso
A coffee-cognac liqueur that combines the smoothness and sweetness of two elements.
Main notes: roasted coffee, burnt oak, dark chocolate, bitter orange.
Tasting is recommended frozen, as part of a cocktail or with desserts.
In addition, the company produces cocktails based on spirits and a limited series of "colored" cognacs.
Update: 14.06.2019
Category: Brandy and Cognac