For the mass consumer the question of a difference of whisky and cognac isn't basic, but the experienced judge of expensive and quality alcoholic drinks is ready to speculate on this subject for hours.
At first sight at cognac and whisky much in common - on color they are similar, both are strong. On it similarities come to an end and distinctions begin.
Production technology and raw materials
Cognac is done of grape raw materials, and whisky from grain crops: wheat, barley, rye, rice and corn. Both drinks are matured in oak casks. The production technology of cognac more difficult and exacting to ingredients, than at whisky therefore at identical endurance the first alcoholic drink will be more expensive than the second. It doesn't belong to branded producers – here the prices are established by marketing specialists. Cognac belongs to brandy – the alcohol received by distillation of a fruit juice, and whisky – to cereal distillate. In other words, to moonshine, but very of good quality. It is reached due to endurance in oak casks and good grain raw materials.
Region of production and quality control
The drink manufactured only in France can be called cognac. The state strictly watches its quality. All other similar drinks are brandy.
Whisky – national drink of Irish and Scots, but is produced worldwide. The product has no uniform standards of quality control that increases chances to buy very low-quality alcohol with all that it implies.
Fortress
The legislation of France defines only the lower threshold of concentration of alcohol in cognac – not less than 40%. Whisky fortress isn't regulated and is the business card of the producer in any way. On sale the adhesive tape of turns most often meets at 40-50, but it is possible to find also grades with a strength of 70%.
Use
Whisky at the use often parts with soda, sweet carbonated drinks and adds ice. So its taste is softened and emphasized. Cognac as independent drink, is self-sufficient and refined and therefore doesn't need third-party additives. At its cultivation, on the contrary, gustatory and aromatic qualities are lost, turning quality alcohol into similarity of sour compote. If cognac is equally chosen by both men, and women, then whisky because of its sharpness, it is considered preferably men's drink.
Harm for health
In whisky the concentration of air and oils is twice higher, than at cognac that at equal doses and identical quality leads to different consequences next morning. From cognac there are no strong attacks of a headache, and it is quicker brought out of an organism. While whisky has very negative effect on health and takes superiority in this rivalry.