Rating of the best cognacs for 2020

Alcohol today can be purchased at a wide variety of points of sale, ranging from convenience stores, specialized alcohol stores or large chain retailers. There is also a category of alcoholic boutiques focused on selling very expensive alcoholic beverages from manufacturers with a long history. Such a wide choice can confuse an inexperienced consumer, and he can purchase a low-quality product. In order to choose a worthy cognac, you need not only knowledge of varieties and technical intricacies of production, but also practical skills to distinguish quality products from counterfeits. This article will help you make the right choice so that your purchase does not disappoint.

How to choose a quality cognac?

It should be understood that in the manufacture of cognac, 9-10 liters of grape wine are spent on the production of 1 liter of the final product, this depends on the alcohol content and various nutrients in the wine. Cognac matures from 2 to 50 years, so this product cannot be cheap, and you should not buy cognac, the price of which is half the market.

It is also necessary to take into account when buying the age of aging of the drink - the older it is, the more expensive the cognac. Cognac is aged for many years in specially made barrels made of special oak wood.

There is also a cheaper way to get cognac - to use a blend, that is, a mixture of different alcohols. The drink obtained in this way is not highly rated among connoisseurs of the original, aged cognac. The most popular, at an affordable price, on the market is cognac aged from 3 to 7 years. More expensive brands that produce drinks with an aging of 10 years or more are intended for true admirers and collectors who can pay a high price for a bottle. Most consumers will like cognac with aging no more than 4-5 years.

When choosing a cognac in a store, you should pay attention to the quality of the bottle: there should be no chips and noticeable irregularities in the glass, the glass itself is transparent without foreign inclusions. It is better if the label is glued evenly, without smudges and the quality of printing should not be too low. The cork for high-quality cognac is made from the bark of a cork tree, or by pressing from the same bark. A plastic cork indicates either counterfeit or an extremely low-quality drink. The drink itself in the bottle should not have sediment and foreign objects. If you turn a bottle of cognac upside down, then slightly oily smudges will appear on the inside of the bottle, which indicates the quality of the contents.

Opening the bottle, you need to carefully remove the cork without crushing it and inhale the aroma of the drink - there should be no unpleasant odors uncharacteristic for such a drink. Next, the brandy can be poured into a glass and taking it in hand, slightly warm it up. Real cognac begins to “play”, gradually revealing its bouquet, delighting the customer with a refined aroma and exquisite taste.

What is the difference between cognac and brandy

Sometimes people think that cognac and brandy are one and the same thing. However, it is not.There are four main criteria by which these two elite drinks are distinguished: cost, aroma, taste and quality.

The price of the original French cognac exceeds the price of the most expensive brandy. If brandy can be bought for 1000 rubles or even less, then with the original cognac it will not work.

The aroma of cognac and brandy can be distinguished from the first note. Real cognac, infused in oak barrels, absorbs its aromas and enriches itself with woody-earthy notes. Brandy does not have bright aromas, it has barely audible nuances of berries and fruits.

The taste and astringency of cognac, again, is given by an oak barrel. Brandy's taste is formed against the background of berries and fruits with the addition of caramel, which gives a slight sweetness to the drink.

The quality is determined by the degree of purification of the two drinks. Cognac in the manufacturing process necessarily undergoes double distillation, and brandy is distilled only once.

Outwardly, cognac and brandy are not much different: they have a golden brown color, they are drunk in their pure form from beautiful tulip-shaped glasses.

The best inexpensive cognacs of 2020

In the presented review, only high-quality and original alcoholic products are considered, selected based on the reviews of the best tasters and cognac connoisseurs. This rating is compiled taking into account all the main quality criteria for cognac, as well as the price per bottle - it is quite affordable for most consumers.

White stork (Moldavia)

Popular cognac. It began to be produced back in the days of the Soviet Union. The white stork is still popular with buyers due to its affordable price. It is an alcoholic drink of honey-golden color, with a strength of 40 degrees. Vanilla and floral notes are the main ingredients of its taste. The product is produced according to the classical technology: first, it is kept in oak barrels for 3 to 7 years, then, to soften the taste, caramel and sucrose are introduced. Then the cognac is again poured into oak containers, in which it “reaches” within 1 year. So its taste becomes brighter and more intense.

Product exposure rates:

• room temperature - from 5 to 25 * С;
• air humidity - no more than 40%.

Subject to the storage rules, the shelf life of the drink is not limited. The main thing is that no toxins were found in the cognac, and the energy value corresponded to 239 kcal.

Price: 620 rubles. 0.5 l, 5 years.

• low cost;
• a minimum of counterfeit products due to an affordable price;
• delicate smell and taste;
• in the process of consumption, alcohol vapors are practically not felt;
• a large number of honorary badges obtained at various competitions of alcoholic beverages.

• ordinary design of containers.

Klinkov VSOP

Despite the affordable cost, the product is ranked among the first-class drinks. It is produced on the Crimean peninsula, and the product that has been aged for at least 3 years goes on sale. The main components are grape cognac and special alcohols of French production. Klinkov VSOP is kept in oak barrels, so drinks of this sort acquire a subtle nutty bitter aftertaste. The general picture when tasting the product is as follows: cognac is moderately sweet, alcohol vapors are practically inaudible, occasionally you can feel tobacco aromas or nutmeg paired with honey or orange peel - everything is determined by the year of harvest of grape raw materials.

The taste of the drink is velvety, balanced, no extra impurities are felt. The original design of the packaging of the products for sale: inside the gift tube, in which the bottle is placed, detailed information about the history of the creation of cognac is set forth.

A cork plug is inserted into the plastic cover. The category of the drink, information about the manufacturer, the aging period of this product must certainly be stated on the trade label. On the factory bottle, the corporate logo of the concern is placed - a large letter K.

Price: 450 rubles. 0.5 l, 5 years.

• the taste and originality of the product depends on the year in which the raw materials were collected;
• despite the fact that the price of Klinkov VSOP is low, it is recognized as an elite drink;
• falsified extremely rarely;
• attractive packaging design.

• absent.

Jatone X.O. Extra

On the Russian alcoholic market, drinks of this brand go on sale in 2 varieties of aging - 5 and 8 years. The product is produced in Kherson, it belongs to the middle price category, is available to almost every buyer. Laureate of various competitions, has many awards. The color of the drink is brownish-golden. Its taste is distinguished by subtle motifs of hazelnut, milk chocolate and vanilla. Well-aged cognac acquires floral and pear notes with a chocolate aftertaste. Such products are preferred by the fairer sex. Unfortunately, this brandy cannot be found on sale in ordinary retail trade. You can buy it only in specialized alcohol stores.

Cognac Jatone X.O. Extra continues to delight with its strength. The flawless taste is directly proportional to the aging period of the product. The drink is made only from light grape varieties; from the moment the must was made, distillation is carried out only after a year.

Price: 420 rubles. 0.5 l, 5 years.

• an unusually intriguing aftertaste;
• has a lot of medals;
• due to various subtleties of production technology, the taste of the product acquires many unusual shades during aging;
• It is impossible to falsify products, since the drink is poured into non-standard bottles, which are not easy to counterfeit.

• small flakes are formed at the bottom of the bottle due to oak litter.

Tetroni 5

Despite the high cost, this cognac is one of the best drinks produced in Georgia. It should be noted that the drink is very popular almost from the first days of its release, and the production of cognac began in 1994. For its production, grapes grown in different regions of Georgia are used, due to which the taste of the horse is much richer. The bottles used to dispense the drink are decorated in black or green colors. The label is quite original, it shows a white purebred horse. Due to its mild taste, cognac is very easy to drink, and the taste of alcohol in this drink is practically not felt. Thanks to this, it is perfect for both the stronger sex and women.

Ridge color is light golden. Gourmets advise to drink this drink slowly, enjoying every sip. And to feel the harmony of the aftertaste, a sip of cognac should be held in your mouth for a while and rolled your tongue across the palate several times. It should also be noted that the drink is best consumed in its pure form, without adding it to coffee and various cocktails. It goes well with seafood, with any desserts, ice cream or cream, but in no case should you combine it with grapes.

Price: 650 rubles. 0.5 l, 5 years.

• the original design of the bottle, making it almost impossible to fake it;
• low cost;
• a minimum of counterfeit products due to an affordable price;
• mild taste, easy to drink.

• does not go well with some dishes.

Old Kakheti 5

It also belongs to the line of popular Georgian cognacs. This drink is exported to many countries of the world, while about 40% of all manufactured products are purchased by Russia. The brandy is produced by a company called “Kakhetian Traditional Wine Making”. Despite the fact that the production is very young, it belongs to large wineries. In just one year, the company produces more than 12 million bottles of cognac. But it was this particular type of drink that received quite high awards at many international competitions.

For about 5 years, cognac is aged in special oak barrels, which are made from a certain type of oak, Iberian.Due to this, this drink has a balanced, rich taste. It also smells of leather, old sorts of port and dried fruits. Cognac is very delicate, easy to drink and does not burn your throat, leaving a pleasant aftertaste of chocolate in your mouth.

Price: 650 rubles. 0.5 l, 5 years.

• soft and very pleasant taste;
• long aging period;
• beautiful colour;
• over time, the aromatic range becomes richer.

• not

Lezginka

This brand of Russian cognac is one of the first to be presented in the review. The drink is produced at the Kizlyar cognac factory. It is worth noting that the manufacturer company has a status that allows it to supply its products to the Moscow Kremlin and even the presidential administration.

Cognac has been awarded high awards many times, not only at Russian competitions, but also international ones. More recently, this drink has been exported to many Asian countries, including Japan. But it is worth considering the fact that you can also find fake Lezginka cognac on sale. Therefore, you need to know how to distinguish an original from a fake. Namely, at the top of the bottle there is an engraving, which is an oval medallion, where there are numbers-1885. This is the year when the production of cognacs was launched in Kizlyar.

The name of the brandy, as well as the portrait of Bagration, on the label are made using the latest technology. The label is covered with a special varnish, and the engraving itself is applied by a laser. But the bottom of the bottle must be branded by the manufacturer. The taste of the drink is excellent, you can feel the freshness of peach and grapes, as well as apricot jam. Despite the fact that the cost of the skate is quite high, it is very popular.

Price: 750 rubles. 0.5 l, 5 years.

• tastes good;
• low cost;
• a minimum of counterfeit products due to an affordable price;
• practically does not contain harmful substances for human health.

• high pricing policy.
• many fakes on the market.

Ararat 5

Since ancient times, Armenia has been famous for the production of cognacs. This brand of drink has collected all the best traditions of local winemakers. This variety is produced at the Yerevan Brandy Factory, and all manufactured products are in demand in 40 countries of the world. Up to 8 million bottles of ridge are produced per year, and 5 of them are sent to the Russian markets. This noble drink has specific, but at the same time pleasant taste. It should be noted that only those grape varieties that grow exclusively on the Armenian land are used for its production. Extract of alcohols is carried out in special oak barrels. The cognac company is fully responsible for the quality of the drink.

This brand has received many international awards, among which there are quite prestigious ones, such as The World-Spirits Award, World Spirits Competition. The smell of cognac resembles the aroma of pears, compote made from various dried fruits and plums. Its taste is tart and a little scalding, slightly reminiscent of apple juice and green grapes, but all the same sweetish tints are present in it. It goes well with dark chocolate or coffee.

Price: 1200 rubles. 0.5 l, 5 years.

• considered one of the best cognacs in Armenia;
• beautiful colour;
• has an interesting taste that differs from other varieties.

• expensive.

Noah Araspel

The delightful first-class quality of a high-quality product becomes immediately noticeable, as soon as a bottle of cognac of the presented sample is on the table. A bottle of unusual shape, quite massive both in appearance and in its capacity. Due to the richness of the color scale, the noble drink significantly stands out among other well-known brands, becoming better and stronger every year. Producers make cognac from the finest white grapes.The drink is made in Armenia, large deliveries are made to many countries of independent states, as well as to the countries of Europe and the United States. Taste qualities were recognized by gourmets and connoisseurs of alcoholic beverages, which is confirmed by the numerous awards won after participating in international competitions and exhibitions.

Its inexpensive cost is affordable for the average consumer. A fragrant bouquet and unique taste that unfolds in a glass will delight you with vanilla notes. After the first sip, a slight burning sensation is felt, turning into a velvety chocolate combination with vanilla. The long-lasting aftertaste, typical of high-quality cognacs, leaves a sweet trail for a long time.

Price: 1300 rubles. 0.5 l, 5 years.

• beautiful and originally designed bottle;
• soft and very pleasant taste;
• the presence of an informative label for authenticity recognition;
• attractive color, aromatic aftertaste.

• absent.

King Tigran

Cognac with a majestic name can only be found in the windows of special shops selling high-quality alcoholic beverages. Long ten-year aging is the longest in comparison with the rest of the best cognacs. One of the enzymes included in the product is wild yeast, which gives the liquid a dark, amber sheen. Classic chocolate-vanilla notes with unusual floral and ginger hints are present in its unique aroma. A very soft and elegant aftertaste leaves a long and magical aftertaste without bitterness.

An open bottle emits unusual and inviting scents of freshly picked laurel, lemon zest and marinade. Rubbing drops of the drink in the palms, it slightly changes the fragrance, giving way to creamy notes, the marinade slightly weaken, but do not disappear for good. A slight, but pleasant astringency, during tasting, and the absence of an alcoholic aftertaste, ensure lightness and juiciness. The aftertaste lasts 15 minutes when combined with a lemon wedge and a piece of chocolate.

Price: 2200 rubles. 0.5 l, 10 years old.

• long aging period;
• pleasant taste sensations;
• beautiful colors.

• expensive product.

Ararat Nairi

One of the most expensive, but also the best variety among other cognacs, included in the number of alcoholic beverages in this rating. Armenian products, which have a rich amber color with shining tints and absolute transparency, without any hint of sediment or turbidity. Refined and excellent texture with a rich sillage of taste, where lightly toasted bread crust with spicy cloves come together in harmony, set off by honey sweetness, flavored with cinnamon. The aroma contains a small proportion of alcohols disguised by fruits and wood, a green apple and a slightly dried pear. The cognac poured into the glass changes the trail to caramel, and adds the presence of the smell of freshly sawn oak wood.

Due to the presence of fruity overflows that remain in the aftertaste, the drink is very easy and soft to drink. There is no classic taste - vanilla and chocolate, which does not spoil the cognac, but on the contrary, makes it as original as possible with the inability to confuse it with another variety.

Price: 3900 rubles. 0.5 l, 20 years old.

• rare taste, special recipe;
• long aftertaste, unusual smell that has no analogues.

• expensive drink.

The best French cognacs

Hennessy

The Hennessy company, with the cognac brand of the same name, occupies a leading position among all manufacturers.

In Hennessy cognacs balance and harmony are observed. The alcohol base includes sixty types of alcohol, aged for an average of fifteen years. The aroma of cognac contains notes of sandalwood and hazelnuts, almonds, honey, pear dominate in the taste sensations.

Price: 3600 rubles. 0.5 L VSOP.

• special recipe;
• an unusual smell that has no analogues.

• no flavoring.

Courvoisier

Courvoisier's cognac is a drink of the cognac house, whose history began in the Charente region more than 200 years ago. The status of this brand is evidenced by the fact that it is one of the “Big Four Cognacs”. It costs a lot.

Cognac of this brand is subjected to double aging: first, it is infused in barrels from young oak, and after blending - in old barrels, which gives this cognac a special taste. The aromas are dominated by notes of flowers, vanilla and walnut, in the taste - vanilla, oak, dried fruits. Moreover, the long aftertaste preserves the apple flavor.

Cost: 3300 rubles, 0.7 l, 6 years (VSOP).

• brand status;
• double exposure.

• no flavoring.

Remy Martin

Remy Martin ranks second in the world in the supply of cognac. The aroma of the drink is rich, with a predominance of fruit notes and nuts.

Cost: 12,350 rubles, 0.7 liters, 10 years, and aged only 2 years will cost from 2 thousand rubles.

• rare taste;
• an unusual aroma that has no analogues.

• not.

Martell

One of the oldest cognac producers is the Martel cognac house.

The drink has a very mild and delicate vanilla flavor; the aroma contains woody notes with a light and pleasant aftertaste. Very popular with female representatives.

Price: 12600 rubles. (orig.), 0.7 l., a drink of the VSOP class can be purchased for 3000 rubles.

• light and pleasant aftertaste;
• long aftertaste, unusual smell that has no analogues.

• expensive drink.

Camus

Family business for the production of cognac - Camus cognac house. Until now, the owners of the brand are representatives of the Camus clan, having already gone through 5 generations.

Cognac of this brand still has not lost its leading position and is considered one of the best in the world. The company is also the leader in sales - it owns 4/5 of the total volume among other cognac companies. At the London Spirits Competition, Camus La Grande Marque has won the gold medal four times in a row.

The aroma of Camu cognac includes mineral and floral notes, the taste is dominated by peach, chocolate and orange peel.

Price: 14,500 rubles, 0.7 liters, the cost of a VSOP class cognac - 3,000 rubles.

• leading positions in the world market;
• original aftertaste notes;
• suitable for women - light and aromatic.

• not.

Conclusion

Fans of a noble elixir will be able to find quite decent cognac varieties even among inexpensive economical options. Despite the democratic cost, among the huge selection you can find suitable specimens that will be appreciated with dignity by admirers of high-quality alcoholic beverages.