Back in the days of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijani cognac was famous for its taste and was no less popular than its Armenian counterpart. And moreover, in terms of taste and bouquet, he, perhaps, even surpassed cognac from Armenia.
A brief excursion into history
Thanks to the efforts of archaeologists in the territory of present Tovuz and Ganja, numerous evidence was found that the Tovuz region has been famous for its winemaking for more than a millennium. Various vessels in which wine was stored, petrified grape seeds and the remains of tartaric acid make it possible to assert with confidence that even before the Arabs came to Azerbaijan in the seventh century, winemaking was practiced in this territory. The same can be judged from the manuscripts of famous travelers of antiquity. The same Al-Mugadassi, a famous Arab geographer of the tenth century, talking about the riches of this region, says: “This country is great and beautiful and there are many grape fruits here. Nowhere has I ever tasted grapes so sweet as in Nakhchivan. ” Also in the epic of the 10-11th century under the name “Dede-Gorgud” it is told how at least eight dozen vessels of wine and glasses of gold were exhibited on the festive tablecloth. Therefore, no matter what skeptics and ill-wishers say, all factors indicate that the western region of Azerbaijan, Ganja and Tovuz, are one of the cradles of viticulture.
Azerbaijani brandy and the current situation with its production
Now Azerbaijani vineyards number more than twenty thousand hectares. And in these areas products for the winemaking of the highest quality are grown.
By the way, the quality of Azerbaijani brandy is already indicated by the fact that during the Soviet Union, the famous Ararat brandy factory bought whole tanks by rail in cognac spirit in Shamkir and Khanlar and on its basis the Armenians produced their world famous varieties of the drink.
At present, five factories producing cognac alcohol are operating in Azerbaijan , and three of them have been modernized with the latest equipment. And a few years ago in the Crimea at the Yalta Festival, Azerbaijani brandy won a gold medal.
Range
Azerbaijani cognac factories produce a fairly extensive range of products for the most varied tastes. We list the most famous:
- "Amirani" - light golden with a soft cognac taste and a light floral bouquet;
- "Tetroni" with a golden color of warm shades and a pleasant bouquet with notes of walnut and oak;
- Vizier is an amber-colored cognac with a mild flavor and fruity aroma;
- "Babek" - named after the national Azerbaijani hero. The drink has a harmonious taste, aroma of jasmine and walnut and the color of an amber tree.
Vintage drinks are especially noteworthy. This is a vintage Azerbaijani brandy "Moscow", known since 1967, as well as: "Azerbaijan", "Baku", "Ganja", "Hek-Gel", "Shirvan" and many other great varieties that delighted the true connoisseurs of this divine drink more than a dozen years.
His Majesty Azerbaijani cognac. Price and where to get
As for the acquisition of real Azerbaijani cognac, everything here is far from simple. In most stores, if you can see it, then in most cases it will be a fake. The best option is to visit Azerbaijan and purchase cognac at the manufacturer. True, most of this option is not suitable. Therefore, there remain specialized points of sale and online stores where it is still possible to purchase real Azerbaijani brandy. You can buy it at fairly loyal prices. About $ 10-15 you will get a simple 3-year-old cognac. Well, if you need an expensive vintage or collection drink, then the price will be appropriate. True connoisseurs will not stop anything, and believe me, this drink is worth it.