Cognacs of Crimea: history in brief, classification + review of 5 brands

The Crimean peninsula is characterized by a mild climate similar to the terroir of the cognac's homeland, France. The growing conditions and production technology of amber drink are very important for obtaining the best quality drink, otherwise the drink will be of very poor quality and will not have any "star".

History of cognacs in Crimea

Until 1961, Crimea was famous exclusively for wine production, but the Soviet authorities decided to establish the production of spirits. Two wineries "Simferopol" and "Koktebel" took up the task.

In 1965, Koktebel produced the first three-star Crimean cognac. Two years later, the first vintage cognac was released to mark the 50th anniversary of Soviet rule. Since then, production has grown and won a significant part of the alcoholic beverage market.

Classification of Crimean cognacs

1. Star or ordinary

   The label of the drink indicates the marking of the drink in the form of stars.

   The number of stars indicates the period of aging in oak barrels of cognac spirits used for the production of cognac, traditionally from 2 to 5 years.

   Ordinary cognacs are characterized by an alcoholic aroma and a sharper taste.

2. Vintage cognacs

   Cognacs are made from high quality alcohol, aged from 5 to 8 years.

   Characteristic features are drinks with a harmonious aroma and expensive taste.

3. Collectible

   Cognac that has been aged for a very long time, made from the highest quality spirits.

   Strong drink has excellent organoleptic properties

Popular brands of Crimean cognac

1. Ai-Petri

   A well-known type of cognac, which gained popularity in the post-Soviet space, produced by the Simferopol Wine and Cognac Factory.

   The drink has a bright amber color with golden reflections, has a mild flavor with floral hints and a chocolate aftertaste.

2. Cognac Kutuzov 25 stars

   This drink is one of the best strong drinks of the Crimea, produced by the Koktebel factory.

   Kutuzov is one of the three most famous cognacs on the French alcohol market.

   The drink is the color of brown amber, the aroma is dominated by tones of bitter chocolate and notes of spicy herbs. The taste is soft, velvety with tones of apples and caramel.

3. Massandra

   This brand of cognac is one of the most popular in the line of the manufacturer of alcoholic beverages "Maglev".

   Belongs to ordinary cognacs with a mild taste and aroma without pungent odors.

4. Jean-Jacques

   Inexpensive cognac produced by "Golden Amphora" has a matured soft sweetish taste.

   The color of the drink is bright golden, the aroma of candied fruits and spices.

5. Magarach

   The Muggles producer produces this drink using traditional French technologies.

   Amber-colored cognac with sweet almond flavor and vanilla aftertaste.

What to serve Crimean cognac with

Traditionally, cognac is poured into special snifter glasses with a narrow neck, where the warmth of the hand warms the strong drink and it is consumed in small sips.

For those who do not perceive the traditional way of tasting, meat snacks and olives are used as an appetizer for ordinary cognacs. Vintage cognac goes well with bitter chocolate and coffee.

Collectible cognacs are consumed exclusively in pure form or in combination with a cigar.

Update: 21.02.2020

Category: Brandy and Cognac