Cognac has had a long and often challenging history over the many centuries. It is interesting how it was created and became an integral part of modern parties.
Cognac has a centuries-old history that dates back to the 16th century. The Dutch arrived in France in the sixteenth century, which is when cognac was first produced. They bought a lot of French wine, but they had trouble keeping it palatable on the trip home, so they started distilling it into eau-de-vie. In order to save room when shipping it on ships, wine merchants started doubly distilling their eau-de-vie, giving the product, brandewijn (literally, "burnt wine"), the name "brandy."
Thus, cognac became quite popular in Great Britain, but it was not available to all classes of the population due to its high cost. Already in the 19th century, with the development of technology, the production and distribution of cognac increased and spread, thanks to which cognac gained popularity and began to appear on almost every table.
Cognac entered Armenia later, but not late. Cognac production in Armenia started in 1887. Guild merchant Nerses Tairyan established the first wine factory in Yerevan, which was revolutionary in the field of alcoholic beverages. Two fire separation devices were installed in the wine processing plant for brandy alcohol distillation.
Distillation and the process of making cognac was carried out using classic French technology, as are French cognacs. During that period, cognacs with a history of almost 150 years had gained great fame and democracy.
Currently, different types of cognac are sold in Armenia, which is considered a desirable variety of alcoholic beverages. Holidays and parties are accompanied by the constant presence of cognac, sometimes filling everyday evenings with bright colors.
Cognac has a special classification, which is not very clear, that is, it may differ slightly depending on the country, for example, aging for 2 years in one country will be aged for 2 years and 3 months in another, but we will present the classification of the National Interprofessional Cognac Bureau (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac).
Cognac is classified according to age and quality: VS, VSOP, and XO. Each corresponds to how long the cognac has been aged in oak barrels. In 1983, following a request from the BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac), the French government, developed regulations governing the terms used to describe the quality of cognac. These notes, which may be included on the label, refer to the age of the youngest eau de vie used in the making of the cognac.
VS (Very Special)
VS stands for "Very Special". Eau-de-vie aged at least two years can be used to make VS cognac. Other denominators and names such as "3 star" or "luxury" are allowed and as such are included in the VS Cognac category.
Cognac must be aged for at least two years to be called cognac. In many countries, it even requires an aging period of two years and three months.
Many Armenian cognacs have "3 stars". It is quite affordable and accessible to everyone everywhere. However, one should not think that VS is a flawed cognac and does not deserve applause.
VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale)
VSOP stands for "Very Superior Old Pale". VSOP cognacs are created from eau-de-vie aged for at least four years. The VSOP category includes notes such as "Old" or "Reserve".
The star of VSOP cognacs can be considered cognac Ararat, the king of cognacs, aged 5 years. The mild but at the same time powerful taste has made this brandy a desirable companion at all parties.
It is difficult to buy Ararat cognac and give it to someone else, not yourself, but we are ready for anything to make our loved ones happy, and our gift will give them a bunch of pleasant moments that will be remembered for a long time.
XO (Extra Old)
XO stands for "Extra Old". XO cognacs are made from eau-de-vie aged at least six years. Among the XO brandies in Armenia, cognac Nairi is very popular. I'm sure you've heard a lot about it, or maybe you've even tasted it. This cognac can be considered the father of XO cognacs, which, with its 20-year aging, gives an unforgettable taste.
