Cognac Ike: history, overview, types, how to drink + distinguish a fake

"Ike" cognac belongs to the group of Armenian brands produced by the Yerevan Cognac Factory. The production of the brand has been established since 2001.

History in brief

The plant was built in 1887 by two entrepreneurs Nerses Tayirov and Nikolai Shustov. Products were manufactured using French technology. YKZ is a "business card" of Armenia and Yerevan.

In 1899, the company became the property of the organization "H.Л. Shustov and Sons". The company becomes a supplier of cognac to the court of His Imperial Majesty Nicholas II Alexandrovich.

1902 in Paris, the EKZ won the Grand Prix, which increased the popularity and fame of the plant.

In 1920, all wine and cognac production in Armenia was nationalized. Yerevan factory is one of the first to become state-owned.

In 2001, the plant launches the production of cognac products under the Ike trademark. The most modern technologies and the latest equipment are used to produce the strong drink.

Only Armenian grape varieties are used as the raw material base for the production of the strong drink. Artesian water, which is extracted in the mountains of Armenia, adds a special flavor.

Types of Ike cognac

Brandy is made from cognac spirits that are aged in oak barrels for at least 5 years. Due to long aging, the drink acquires an unusual color and noble taste.

1. 5 stars

   The brandy has a rich amber color. It has an elegant taste with notes of vanilla, chocolate and nuts, with an aftertaste of spices and oak bark.

   Serve this drink after meals to improve digestion. The cognac has a harmonious strong taste with sweetish notes.

2. 7 stars

   The drink has an amber color with a golden glow.

   Rich flavor with notes of caramel, almonds and a taste of bitter chocolate and vanilla.

   The aroma has notes of apricot and spices.

3. 11 stars

   The cognac has an amber color with a coppery glow.

   Sweet taste with noticeable notes of pear, citrus and chocolate.

   A fragrant bouquet gives a special lightness to the taste of a strong drink.

How to distinguish a fake Ike

1. The drink should be free of cloudiness and sediment.

2. The label and the container of the drink are of premium quality. The label should not have any defects.

   There is an embossed inscription with the brand name on the bottom of the bottle. There is an indelible inscription with the date of production on the neck.

3. Cognac has an elm structure, so when shaken, the liquid should drip down the walls of the bottle.

How and what to drink Ike with

Alcohol reveals its bouquet best when served properly. Amber liquid is poured into special glasses with a low stem and thick bottom. And sip this rich drink with slow sips.

Harmonizes with grilled vegetables, meat dishes, cheese slices and various desserts. Can be drunk as a standalone drink or used to make cocktails.

Interesting facts

1. The name of the drink comes from the country in which it is produced. In Armenian, Armenia is called Hayastan or the country of Hayk.

2. The basis of Ike cognac 11 and 7 years of aging is a single grape variety. Traditionally, Armenian cognacs exclude the possibility of combining several varieties.

Update: 30.01.2020

Category: Brandy and Cognac