Kochari cognac: history, overview of types + interesting facts
Kochari is a real Armenian cognac, the taste of which reflects all the brightness, beauty and courage of the proud people. Even the name for the brand was not chosen by chance: Kochari is a men's national dance in which roughness and strength are harmoniously combined with strength and power.
The drink is produced at the largest cognac factory in Armenia (and, frankly, one of the largest in the world) - "ArArat". Even those who are superficially familiar with alcohol, or even do not drink at all, have heard this sonorous name one way or another.
The plant values its reputation very much, and therefore every bottle that comes off the assembly line is of the proper quality.
Brand history and production specifics
Kochari cognac was born almost simultaneously with the factory, which was founded on the basis of a distillery in 1887. However, soon (in 1899) the factory changed its owner and began to supply products not to the market, but directly to the imperial court. That is why only a narrow circle of people knew about the existence of Kochari.
Over the course of its history, the winery has changed owners more than once: it happened during nationalization, during the Second World War, and even after the collapse of the USSR.
In 1998, the factory was bought by Pernod Ricard a week before the auction, allowing the company to stay afloat.
Over time, the company grew, and in 2002 it merged with the MultiGroup concern, becoming the country's largest alcohol producer.
A year later, all the equipment of the plant was updated, and the number of products produced increased by almost a quarter.
Types of Kochari cognac
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Three-year old
This cognac is relatively inexpensive, has a golden color and a rich fruity flavor with dried apricots, smoked prunes and vanilla notes.
The aftertaste is short, a bit sharp.
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Five-year old
Due to its longer aging, this cognac has a milder flavor.
In addition to the aroma, vanilla notes are felt in the drink itself.
Due to its delicate balance, it is the most popular in the line.
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Seven-year old
Premium segment cognac. The taste of candied fruit is mixed with the classic fruit notes, and a long tincture fully reveals the range of oranges and dried apricots.
The almond aftertaste is long, and reveals itself only after a few minutes.
Interesting facts
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The most famous factory in Armenia has its own legend associated with cognac.
According to the legend, a long time ago, a centuries-old oak tree grew near the gates of the factory, under the crown of which numerous travelers made a rest stop.
One of the companies that stopped decided to have a good drink, and in the morning the unfinished cognac was poured under the roots of the tree. That same hour, the skies darkened, and lightning shot out of the thickening clouds.
The discharge hit the oak tree, which was charred in an instant. Now the burning stump reminds every passerby that cognac should be treated with respect, and it is not allowed to pour it out at all.
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Especially for the head of each state, there are huge barrels in the underground warehouses of the factory.
The visit of each country's leader ends with weighing, after which a barrel of favorite cognac equal to the weight of the person is rolled out to the feet of the high-ranking guest.
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The largest barrel of those stored in the cellars of "ArArat" - the Barrel of the World. It will be uncorked only in case of a truce between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The management of the factory says that there is enough cognac in the barrel to drink both countries.
Update: 09.01.2020
Category: Brandy and Cognac