In spite of the fact that cognac belongs to strong alcohol, but thanks to the distinguished taste, he heads all numerous guard of elite drinks. This divine elixir can be tried out only closely having adjoined to it and having learned all rules of its use.
It is a little history
Cognac belongs to a brandy sort that means "fiery wine". In the 15th century by master wine makers from France new technologies began to be used by production of wines. In those days the majority of grades of French wine it was delivered to overseas clients by the ships in the pitched oak casks. Travel were long, and the taste of the distilled wine in the course of transportation was transformed and changed. Here in such long swimmings the bright taste of brandy was also born, and also cognac appeared later.
Houses of Martell (year of foundation 1715), Thomas Hine (1821) and Hennessy (1765) became the most famous producers of cognac, and the first bottle of this drink got on the shelves of wine benches in the middle of the 19th century.
Cognac receives the unique highlight in taste in hold time. Than longer cognac infuses, especially ready drink will have a refined and saturated taste. The real elite grades of cognac can infuse in barrels up to 50 years, constantly improving the flavor profiles. But after achievement of peak value, the taste of drink will start over again worsening therefore on the expiration of peak time old cognacs are bottled.
Classification of domestic cognac
All cognacs produced in the former Soviet republics are divided into ordinary (3-5 years of endurance) and branded (6 years and more). Young or ordinary cognac is marked on the label by stars which quantity determines duration of its endurance. - Three stars mean three years of endurance at a strength of drink of 40%. - Four stars mean four years of endurance at a strength of drink of 41%. - Five stars mean five-year endurance at a strength of 42%. Older or branded cognac is divided into the following types: - The cognac matured - KV, endurance of 6-7 years at a strength of 42%. - The cognac of the superior quality matured - KVVK, with endurance of 8-10 years at a strength of 43-44%. - Cognac old – KS, drink of ten-year endurance. - Cognac very old OS - collection grades with endurance to 15 years. Such drinks after a blend still infuse in oak casks up to three years. Fortress of KS and OS cognacs can fluctuate within 40-56%.
Classification of foreign cognac
In the homeland of cognac, as well as around the world, other classification is accepted. There are cognacs, is more senior than six years aren't classified since after this term it is impossible to control process of a blend. Independent branded names are appropriated to such drinks. - Cognac with endurance of 2.5 years is V.S. or Very Special. - Cognac, with endurance of 4 years - V.S.O.P. or Very Superior Old Pale. - Cognac, with endurance of 5 years - V.V.S.O.P. or Very-Very Superior Old Pale. - Cognac six-year-old is X.O. or Extra Old.