"Askaneli" - cognac from the very heart of Georgia

The history of Georgian cognac is more than 150 years old. On an industrial scale, it began to be produced only in the second half of the 19th century. Among the drinks developed by local winemakers, the famous "Askaneli" takes a special place. Cognac with such an unusual name has its own history, which should be discussed in more detail.

Interesting to know

Georgian land has always been considered a fertile place for the development of cultural viticulture. In its boundless expanses, knowledgeable masters collect enviable crops. Fine weather and wonderful fertile soil create excellent conditions for vine growth. It was here, in the small village of Askana, one of the most ancient regions of the country, in the late eighties of the nineteenth century, Antimoz Chkhaidze organized his wine production. His company's products sold well both in Georgia and abroad. After some time, production briefly went into the shadows, and only at the end of the 20th century the Chkhaidze brothers decided to revive the family tradition. They founded the company Askaneli Brothers, which began to produce wine, chachi and brandy. It was they who became, so to speak, the progenitors of a strong alcoholic drink with a beautiful name "Askaneli". Cognac turned out simply excellent.

This is indicated by awards, which were presented to him at various international exhibitions, tastings and competitions. "Askaneli" is cognac, which is produced from high quality raw materials according to old technology. This product is recognized by its characteristic taste, which clearly traces the notes of nuts, honey and fruits. According to many experts, the quality of this drink is worthy of the highest praise.

Rich assortment

The products of the company Askaneli Brothers are well known all over the world. The main reason for this recognition is the high quality of the product itself. What is so good about "Ascaneli"? Cognac of this trademark is distinguished by special refinement and nobility of taste. It is produced from the best varieties of grapes: Tsitsk, Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, Cholikauri, Chinuri and others. For a long time of its existence the company has developed six types of cognac, produced under this brand:

1. Three-year-old. Minimum aging (3 years) allows you to turn brandy alcohol into a drink with a delicate bouquet that combines the aroma of vanilla and fresh grapes with a light touch of spice.
2. Five-year-old. For 5 years, the product acquires a characteristic golden-amber color and rich taste with distinct notes of honey and almonds.
3. Aged. After 6 years of being in oak barrels, the color of the drink becomes copper-golden, and the notes of chocolate with the aroma of flowers and dried fruits are clearly seen in the taste.
4. Old. For 10 or more years, the product has a complex bouquet. In addition to vanilla, chocolate and oak in it, you can smell the light fragrance of apricot. The taste of this drink a little gives prunes and walnuts.
5. XO. These letters on the label indicate that the aging of cognac spirits in this case is at least 20 years.
6. Extra XO is a unique product with 50 years of aging. During this time they acquire a delicate aroma with different notes and a rich taste with a whole range of shades.

Currently, these cognacs can be found on the shelves in many countries around the world.

Customer opinions

Few nowadays can boast of having been able to taste the famous Georgian cognac "Askaneli". The testimonies of the lucky ones, who still managed to do this, say that none of them regretted their decision.

Any of these drinks has a rather pleasant natural taste. In them, there is absolutely no hint of any "chemistry", than many types and varieties of alcoholic products sin today. Cognacs of this brand have a delicate, soft and very harmonious taste, as well as a pleasant deep fragrance. In addition, real connoisseurs noticed one more peculiarity, which has the cognac "Askaneli". The buyers' reviews unanimously confirm the complete absence of an unpleasant alcoholic aftertaste. The drink is very easy to drink and has a soft, pleasant aftertaste. But this opinion of the mass consumer, for some reason, disagrees with the experts of Rospotrebnadzor, who refused to register cognac represented by Georgian winemakers for deliveries to the Russian Federation. The management of the company was extremely outraged by this decision, because the quality of their products was recognized as worthy in fifteen countries of the world, such as the USA, Great Britain, the Czech Republic, Finland and others. The firm hopes that this is just an annoying misunderstanding, which will soon be resolved.

Significant difference

Specialists in the field of winemaking claim that "Askaneli" is brandy. Cognac, as you know, can be distinguished on three grounds:

1. A variety of grapes used for production.
2. The locality in which it is grown.
3. Special technology.

Given these subtleties, of course, it is difficult to call this Georgian drink a real cognac. Although the organoleptic characteristics, it is pretty close to the classical version.

In addition, for the production company Askaneli Brothers uses the traditional technology based on double distillation and subsequent exposure of the semi-finished product in oak barrels. If we talk about the raw materials themselves, then the grapes that are grown on the plantations of Askana, to taste nothing inferior to the famous varieties. It has the same pronounced flavor and wonderful aroma. As for the area, the Georgian fertile lands of Georgia are no worse than those on which the Cognac region is located. All this makes it possible to conclude that the Georgian "Askaneli" is at least conditional, but still can be called cognac. In principle, he is brandy. Cognac - it's his belonging to some features. In this issue, each consumer can have his own opinion.

Worthy goods

One of the most popular of the entire line of products is cognac "Askaneli 5 stars". It is manufactured using classical double distillation technology.

According to experts, this is a pretty decent product. It has a pleasant golden-amber color and an original taste, in which the shades of almond and sweet honey are gradually revealed. The refined aroma of this cognac is rich in fruit tones with a distinct hue of vanilla. The average age of brandy alcohols, which are used for the production of this drink, is at least five years. Unsurpassed taste and individual features of the product were awarded a silver medal in a professional contest held in 2003 in Moscow. This award is a worthy confirmation of excellent quality. In 2005, the same five-year Georgian cognac received a gold medal. Given the main gastronomic features, it is better to use such a product as a digestive so that you can slowly enjoy its taste and aroma.

The price of pleasure

Most buyers tend to be interested in the cost of the product. For many of them, this figure is ultimately decisive. So how much does Ascaneli (cognac) cost? The price will depend first of all on aging.

Virtually all products of this brand are produced in glass containers of 0.25 and 0.5 liters with an alcohol content of 40 percent. The cost of a unit of goods is completely accessible to any buyer. Democratic price allows everyone to buy it.

The cost of products with a long shelf life is approximately twice as high. This is understandable. On sale also often come gift sets in bright colorful packaging. Sometimes the products are bottled into non-standard packaging, which also has a higher price. But this factor does not stop those who really understand the drinks.