What brandy is the best inexpensive? What drink is good to give a man.

The article will teach you how to choose in the store and give cognac for any occasion.

Cognac is a good gift option for any occasion:

Personal date
professional holiday
Achievement at work, business or business
win
Birthday
New Year or Christmas
job change
Prize
Day of all men or women
Retirement
Vacation care
Trains or arrival
Romantic or long-awaited meeting

Cognac is a noble alcoholic drink that can only be compared with wine. It is also made from grapes, but left to "ripen" a little differently (in oak barrels). Cognac is stronger than wine, and therefore not everyone may like its taste. Before presenting cognac as a gift, you should find out whether the gift will be relevant at all (does the person drink, does he have problems with alcohol and uses such strong drinks). In the choice of brandy, there are also certain nuances regarding its taste and cost.

Choosing cognac for a man is much easier, since the “strong half of humanity” is more versed in such drinks. Therefore, before buying, pay attention to such nuances as:

Classification and gradation. We are talking about what designations and how many stars each bottle of cognac has. It is believed that the more stars, the better, since the saturation of the drink will be stronger and the taste better. Depending on the country of origin, the types of classifications may vary (read more about the types of cognac and their classifications).
Country of origin of the drink. It is believed that the birthplace of cognac is France and that other drinks simply do not have the right to be called "cognac" (only "brandy"). On the other hand, Armenia (including Georgia) produces cognac using technologies borrowed from France, and their drink is also in demand, popular and recognized by the whole world.
Trademark. The most revered and respected cognac are famous and popular manufacturers who approved their trademarks many tens and hundreds of years ago (read more about popular French and Armenian cognacs).
Drink color. It is believed that a good and “light” tasting cognac should have a light red tint, if the color is dark, then the drink is “young” or food coloring has been added to it.
Beautiful and presentable bottle. Manufacturers of "good" drinks often bottle it in unusual and elegant bottles, which make cognac a real presentable gift.

Cognac - a gift to a man

Some women, just like men, prefer cognac as a gift rather than a bottle of champagne or wine. Cognac can be set as the main alcoholic drink for any family holiday or an intimate romantic dinner, because it goes well with sweets, fruits and chocolate.

When choosing alcohol for a woman, one should not give preference to cheap and affordable producers (this will play a “cruel joke and give the wrong impression of you”). You should pay attention to such important criteria:

Well-known manufacturer. You should always buy those drinks whose names are known to the whole world. So you will be sure that you have purchased high-quality cognac and the person you congratulate will definitely like it.
Beautiful bottle. All women love beautiful things, which means that a beautiful bottle of cognac (as opposed to a simple and quite ordinary bottle) will attract attention. You will want to touch a beautiful bottle, admire it, flaunt it.
Pleasant aroma and color of the drink. Of course, this cannot be determined when the drink is inside the bottle. But perhaps you have already tried expensive cognacs and know exactly their taste and aroma. Alternatively, you can seek advice from a sales assistant or bartender in some institution (and even try).
Manufacturer's country. French cognac is considered the most delicious and fragrant. Unlike Armenian or Georgian, it is not so sharp and sharp, strong and rich.

What to look for:

Perhaps in the store you will find a set of a bottle of cognac and some accessory in the form of a glass or a decanter. Some manufacturers also offer chocolate treats for the drink.
Cognacs in special tubes or even wooden boxes for alcoholic drinks look much more spectacular and “expensive”.
Do not give cognac alone to a woman, be sure to supplement it with sweets, fruits, chocolate, coffee or other gift "applications".

How to choose an inexpensive but good cognac as a gift, in a beautiful bottle?

Cognac is a universal gift, suitable for men and women of all ages and for any occasion. However, you can also “make a trick” to yourself by choosing cognac of poor quality, fake or cheap. Even if you buy cognac in a box (tube, packaging), you are not immune from the fact that a cheap “bad” drink may be inside.

TIP: Cognac should not be bought in the market, not in ordinary shops, but in professional wine boutiques or supermarkets that export goods from abroad.

Pay attention to the bottle and the label:

Two important aspects of production should be the same: the place of manufacture and the place of spill. These two places should be marked with the same address, which will indicate the quality of the cognac.
High-quality cognac will definitely indicate on its label the classification of the drink according to the parameters of international gradation (stars or letter designations).
On the bottle, you should be able to read the address of the cognac production and the aging time of the drink.

A good drink meets the following parameters:

The drink in the bottle should not have any sediment (sediment is a sign of a poor-quality drink).
Cognac should not have any impurities and additives (flavoring, for example, with lemon or orange).
Quality cognac should have a uniform color that does not change even with vigorous shaking.
At the same time, the color should be saturated and transparent at the same time.
An inexpensive manufacturer should not produce a drink in cloudy or opaque glass, otherwise it is a sign that he is trying to hide something. The color of cognac should be visible through the glass.
One of the main criteria for the quality of a drink is its transfusion. Pick up the container right in the store. Try to tilt it sideways and watch the liquid. Quality cognac will leave a thin film on the glass that will disappear in a second.

IMPORTANT: Gift cognac is a sign of your attention and respect, and therefore do not try to save on the choice of drink.

How to choose an elite cognac as a gift in a beautiful bottle and packaging?

Elite alcohol is a spectacular, always relevant, pleasant and noble gift. This drink can be not only a sign of attention and respect, but even a monetary alcoholic "investment", as elite varieties can only become more expensive over time.

It is not difficult to choose an elite cognac, as each manufacturer and variety will offer you a quality drink. However, there is one difficulty - as many original bottles of cognac of a famous brand exist in the world, there are as many fakes.

What to look for when buying:

Price. If you are confused by the too high or low cost of cognac in the store, try to study the price of a certain drink on the Internet in well-known stores and from the original manufacturer.
Beautiful packaging. Elite and expensive cognac simply cannot stand on the same shelf with ordinary alcoholic beverages. He will definitely be given an “honorable” place in a separate showcase. In addition, well-known manufacturers necessarily supplement their bottles with tubes, boxes, wooden packaging, and the container itself looks elegant, unusual, original.
Quality certificate. You have the right to buy cognac of a well-known brand for a high price, having familiarized yourself with its quality certificate, excise stamp, documents on the authenticity of the drink. If the bottle does not have them, you should ask the seller or the store manager for them.

How to choose cognac as a gift for a male doctor?

Cognac is one of the most popular gifts for a doctor. Women are often presented with wine or champagne as a gift, and cognac is a gift for a man doctor, because it is considered a “man's drink”. Precisely because most health workers often drink and take cognac, they understand it.

What is important when choosing:

Buy a product of a well-known brand, the name of which is well-known and advertising often appears on TV, magazines, and the Internet.
Type the brandy name you like into the search bar of any Internet browser and read customer reviews about it. This way you can find out the overall rating of the drink (whether people like it or not).
Do not leave price tags on cognac and do not put a check in a gift box so as not to create a bad impression about yourself (even if the drink is expensive and you expect that if you do not please, the person will return it to the store or change it).
Pay attention to the appearance of the “gift”: the label must be glued evenly, the packaging is not wrinkled, the excise tax is in place, the lid is not unscrewed).

IMPORTANT: Be sure to hand the cognac to the doctor in a gift bag or in wrapping paper. This present should not just be put on the table or put into hands in front of everyone, it should be given with grateful words, a smile, full confidence and joy.

How to choose cognac for a man in gratitude?

Gratitude is your feeling of joy and respect. It doesn’t matter what was the reason for this gesture, but the more help was given to you, the better and better a drink as a gift you should choose. Perhaps, it is difficult to find a man who does not like cognac, and therefore this drink is a universal “gratitude” for any occasion.

What is important to know:

The cost of cognac should depend on how much help was given to you.
Consider the status of the person to whom you are giving a “gift” (cheap cognac should never be given to a man as a director or chief executive).
If the bottle does not have packaging, it should be hidden as much as possible so as not to embarrass the man. Put it in a gift paper bag.

What can be put as a gift for cognac for a man: options

If it seems to you that one bottle of cognac is not enough for a gift to a man and you want to add something to your present, use the following options:

High-quality chocolate: foreign or made in chocolate makers (desserts "handmade").
You can choose a box of high-quality and expensive chocolates.
Fruit basket, good if you can find unusual and exotic fruits, berries, treats.
A basket with cheeses and cold cuts: boiled pork, dried beef, basturma, smoked breast and other types.
Good, natural, aromatic coffee (ground or instant).
A set of cognac glasses (beautiful and good quality).
A package of "delicious" foreign cigars

What can be put as a gift for cognac to a woman: options

A woman should not be given only a bottle of cognac, as no woman will drink it without sweets or other treats.

Pay attention to these add-on options:

Unusual and high quality chocolate that can be found in supermarkets (export from abroad).
A box of chocolates "Assorted",
Fruits in chocolate
Dried fruits in chocolate
A set of cakes (necessarily in a package, not by weight, but by the piece). Such cakes can be found in handmade pastry shops.
Set of nuts "Assorted"
Coffee in chocolate (dessert)
A jar of aromatic quality coffee (ground, beans or instant).
Glasses for cognac
Cake (custom made)
fruit basket
Basket with cheese and meat treats

With what words can you give a man cognac?

Adviсe:

The more confidently you give your “present” to a person, the more pleasure and joy he will accept it.
Never start your phrase with the words "I brought you here" or "Here's brandy for you." To show your best side, it's better to say "let me express my gratitude."
It is not recommended to even say what exactly you are giving, just call your present "gift" or "my gratitude."
Do not forget to smile so that a person receives his “present” with pleasure.
If a person does not reach out to you to receive a gift, just put it on the table (if the box or package is small) or on the floor (if the package is large).
Be sure to tell the person that the person helped you a lot and without his help you could not have done it.

Video: “Master class on decorating cognac bottles with sweets”

Buying a gift for a man is not an easy task, especially if you do not know the habits and preferences of a person. In this case, it is appropriate to give cognac. But the choice of drink will have to be approached very seriously. Choosing a good cognac as a gift for a man is a whole science. Do not rush to take the first bottle that comes across from the shelf. Learn a few important rules first.

Place of purchase

An adult should understand that good cognacs are not sold in a small shop near the station or on the market square. For a serious purchase, you should go to the company store. Ideally, this should be a specialized outlet where drinking people do not scurry about in search of a cheap bottle of vodka.

Although not, the ideal purchase can be made by going to France, to areas where branded cognacs are produced. But there are other options as well.

Purchase price

A bottle of cognac can be cheap. Good cognacs, in principle, are not cheap. It's all about the technology and traditions of production. To put 1 liter of cognac or brandy on the market, the manufacturer needs to use 10 liters of grape wine, and spend several years of precious time. All this is very costly.

Cheap alcoholic beverages can be infused with oak chips instead of aging in barrels. They can also be made from a mixture of grape and grain alcohol. All this affects the quality, although it significantly reduces the cost of products. Buying such drinks as a gift is not worth it.

The most dangerous option is to buy a cheap counterfeit. In this case, you not only spent money in vain, but you can also cause irreparable damage to your health.

How to distinguish fake

When thinking about what cognac to buy as a gift for a man, pay attention to the little things:

Consider cork, it can be cork, a special silicone material, or compacted sawdust. If the bottle is closed with a metal screw cap, then this is a poor quality product or a fake.
Consider the cork shell. It should tightly fit the neck of the bottle, without wrinkling anywhere.
The bottle itself can only be glass. Strong alcohol reacts with plastic, releasing harmful substances.
Consider the label. It should be glued perfectly evenly, without offsets.
Study the label. It contains complete information about the composition, production date and manufacturer. And all this should be written without errors.
See how the excise stamp is pasted. It is always located on top of the label.
Turn the bottle over. Good cognac will leave a mark on the walls, and a few heavy drops will fall from the bottom.
The color of the drink in the bottle can vary from light brown to dark brown, but the contents always remain transparent.

If you are going to make a birthday present for a man, it is better to choose cognac in a curly bottle. Complicating the production of containers, the manufacturer is reinsured against fakes. It is much easier to pour a counterfeit into ordinary bottles than to order a batch of special containers.

Origin of the drink

Imagine that you are standing in front of the counter in a store and want to choose a good cognac as a gift for a man. But there are so many bottles that the eyes simply run wide. This is where information about the origin of the drink will come in handy. In fact, only those drinks that were produced in France have the right to call cognac. In this country, the production of alcohol is treated with great respect. In addition to the fact that the quality is strictly controlled by the state, well-known brands compete with each other and maintain their own reputation.

Drinks produced in Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia are grape brandy. Among them, there are also worthy options, but you need to carefully read the information on the labels. Of these options, Armenian and Georgian alcohol are most often chosen. from these countries are worthy of the attention of connoisseurs. Some even think that Armenian brands of cognacs are not worse, for example, than "Courvoisier VSOP". But in this matter, everyone has their own taste.

Deciding on a brand

It is advisable to buy a good cognac as a gift for a man from well-known manufacturers. Such a gift will be appreciated. The leaders in this industry are: Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Courvoisier, Martell, Bisquit, Camus, Augier and Delamain.

If you want to choose a gift from an Armenian or Georgian manufacturer, then you will not be ashamed of a bottle of "Ani", "Noah", "Ararat", "Egrisi", "Armazi". These exquisite aged drinks will not disappoint the hero of the occasion or business partner.

Official aging classification: France

The price of cognac directly depends on the aging of the drink. Exposure is called infusion in barrels of grape alcohol. The time that the drink stood in the bottle after the spill is no longer taken into account.

They have their own classification. On the front label put mysterious letters, which are deciphered as follows:

V.S. - cognacs aged in barrels for at least 2 years.
Superior - 3 years of exposure.
V.S.O.P. - 4 years in oak barrel.
V.V.S.O.P. - the drink has matured for at least 5 years.
X.O. - aging of the drink from 6 years and above.

Thus, if you have a bottle of "Courvoisier VSOP" in your hands, then you bought cognac, which was aged for 4 years in an oak barrel.

If the manufacturer achieves a special taste by blending, then the age of cognac will be considered according to the youngest alcohol.

In the post-Soviet space, its own was adopted By the way, manufacturers, in spite of everything, stubbornly use the word "cognac" on the labels. This alcoholic drink was produced in three types: ordinary, vintage and collection. Ordinary cognacs are assigned stars (each star is a year of aging).

The classification of vintage cognacs is more complicated:

KV (aged cognac) - aging time 6-7 years.
KVVK (highest quality aged cognac) - the age of the drink is 8-9 years.
KS (old cognac) - exposure 10 years.
OS (very old) - a drink over 12 years old.

An aging period of 23 years or more was determined for.

How to make a gift

And the last question: "How unusual is it to pack a bottle of cognac as a gift for a man?" And does it need to be packaged at all?

It all depends on your taste. A good cognac in itself has a presentable appearance. It can be put in a narrow gift bag and that will be enough. Or you can pick up cognac in a gift box to look more solid. But keep in mind, drinks in gift boxes are much more expensive not because of the quality, but because of the packaging.

If you give a gift to a good friend and want to play a joke, then you can glue a box out of high-quality cardboard, for example, in the form of a milk bag, and sign that there is milk.

If you choose a good cognac as a gift for a man on a significant date or on a special occasion, then you can make a seal out of wax by writing on it how many years you can open your gift, and attach the seal to the neck with a harsh thread.

2 years ago

Everyone knows that cognac is one of the best gifts for a man. But before you make a present, there is always a difficult choice. Indeed, among the huge range of cognacs and their analogues, it is difficult to immediately decide.

Well, if you need to make a gift to a random acquaintance with whom you are not going to keep in touch. And you will never know his impression of cognac. Another thing is if you need to make a present to a friend or person, further communication and cooperation with which is very important.

Many will ask: “What is so difficult? If you want to leave a pleasant impression of a gift, you need to take any cognac, which is more expensive and in a bright box. Such an opinion is erroneous. Beautiful packaging is not a sign of good quality.

Signs of a good cognac

Today, there are a lot of alcoholic drinks on sale, all of them from different manufacturers. Some release admirable products for sale, others copy the design of bottles and gift wrapping and then pour in mixtures of incomprehensible colors that are impossible to drink, others do not bother to spend on a beautiful box, while the quality of the product remains terrible.

To figure out where which brandy is, you should remember the following rules:

Beautiful gift packaging significantly increases the price of these products, but does not add quality to them;
Cognac at a price of 200 rubles per 500 milliliters cannot belong to five-star representatives of well-known brands, unless it was stolen from a store or factory and sold for half the price;
You should not buy expensive alcohol in places where you will not be given a receipt.
The composition of a good cognac should include cognac alcohol;
All cognacs that contain ethyl alcohol and flavors are analogues;
The label should indicate: composition of the drink, date of manufacture, volume, manufacturer;
The label must be glued evenly, its curvature in any direction is a reason to refuse to purchase this product;
The color of the liquid can range from light to dark shades of brown;
No matter how dark the color of the liquid, the reflection of the palm should be visible through the glass container;
Dark color indicates a long exposure of the drink.

Where can I buy?

Of course, it is best to go to France for such a present and purchase it directly in the Grand Champagne region. But not everyone can do this, and therefore people prefer to buy cognac in shops, supermarkets, and markets.

It is best to prefer specialized stores and supermarkets that do not sell anything except alcohol. This must be done at least for the reason that there will be more choice than in any other store. And the more choice, the more chances to choose a good cognac at an affordable price.

Which brand do you prefer?

But what if you don’t understand alcohol (allergy), but you still need to give a gift? Then you can rely on the composition, the number of stars and the consistency of the liquid. To check the quality of the contents, simply turn the bottle upside down. Equally important is the color of the liquid, which was written above.

It is also worth paying attention to gift packaging, although it does not add quality, nevertheless, the present will be remembered if it is beautiful, and even in the set with glasses. Well proven:

And Armenian cognacs such as:

Ararat;
Noah;
Ani.

All of them meet quality requirements. Such a bottle can be handed without shame to any person, no matter what social class he belongs to.

Deciphering the stars and inscriptions:

V.S - exposure 2-3 years;
V.S.O.P - aging 4-6 years;
V.V.S.O.P - from seven years and more;
X.O - aging for more than six years;
Three stars - shelf life of 3 years;
Four stars - 4 years;
Five stars - 5 years.

Focus on circumstances

Not everyone wants to shell out large sums for such gifts, or vice versa, they want to show their respect. Perhaps that is why it is worth focusing on the event or the occasion for which a person will receive a present. So, for example, if you are going to drink cognac with a friend to whom you gave it, you can purchase a gift set with glasses inside.

If you need to present a gift to your boss, then it is better to pay attention to the quality of the product and beautiful packaging. You can also add related products to the presentation: cigars or an original lighter with an ashtray if the person smokes.

When you need to congratulate a veteran or an artist, then you should definitely add flowers to a good cognac in a beautiful package.

Cognac is perhaps the most common alcoholic gift. But it turns out that choosing it from such a large number of various options is not so simple, so we will leave you a few tips that will help in such a difficult task.

The most important thing you should know is that cognac must be selected in such a way that it matches the status of the one to whom you present it. Well, let's say, it is somewhat tactless to give a three-star cognac to the director of a large company. What determines the status of cognac? This is, first of all, an excerpt. The more mature the cognac, the better, of course. The rest depends on your financial capabilities, since the cost of a drink directly depends on its aging. Next is the brand. When in doubt, choose something more recognizable. Well, if you really don’t understand cognacs and their brands at all, then in specialized stores they will definitely tell you. Or you can remember a few brands now: Martell (Martell), Lero (Lheraud), Hennessy (Hennessy) - where without it, Courvoisier (Courvoisier), Remy Martin (Remy Martin).

Of course, it should be cognac in a gift box. Now there are many such options. All famous cognac brands are actually always sold in a gift box. Perhaps, among them it will be more difficult to find a “naked” bottle. Of course, even here there are some difficulties in choosing, since the packaging can be different: from an ordinary cardboard box to a wooden box; and it also affects the status of your gift.

Related products are also important. For example, if your friend is a smoker, it would be great to give him a cigar along with cognac, since these two products are just perfect for each other, and you will please your friend twice.

You can find sets with glasses - this will also be a great gift option.

But the most important thing is, of course, the warm and sincere words with which you give your gift. Here any cognac will seem and turn out to be the best, the most delicious, the most expensive.

If you are still in doubt about which cognac to give (and cognac at all), then you can contact WineStreet, we will be happy to help you with the choice.

Giving alcoholic beverages as a gift has become a good tradition in our time. High-quality and elite alcohol does not lead to drunkenness. It warms the soul, liberates the body and disposes to a good and friendly conversation. In this article we will talk about strong alcoholic drinks - about cognac And whiskey.

Undoubtedly, the presentation of such a gift deserves special attention and it is necessary to first familiarize yourself with the taste preferences of the person to whom the gift is intended.

Usually cognac or whiskey is given to men, after all, such drinks should be drunk slowly, delving into each sip, looking at the oily legs flowing down the walls of the glass. They are complemented by a fragrant Cuban or Dominican cigar. Modern emancipation has led to the fact that some women are also not averse to eating delicious and joining the club of lovers of strong alcohol. Therefore, women can be given such gifts!

You can buy good cognac or whiskey as a gift in any chain hypermarket or wine boutique, or order it in an online store.

Attention: Quality and age dictate the price, and not vice versa, and this is the golden rule when buying alcohol as a gift.

An inexperienced beginner will need a kind of guide to the sea of cognac and whiskey. The advice of a professional sommelier will become such a navigator today. Well, friends, are you ready to go sailing? Today the weather is calm and no storms are expected.

Cognac theme. Attention, pitfalls are possible!

Do not rush to immediately go to the shelves and showcases, which contain imported products. Russian producers also know how to make high-quality cognacs, which are not ashamed to be presented as a gift to the most respected person. In addition, domestic cognac emphasizes true patriotism and national priorities.

The leader in sales among all cognac factories in the Russian Federation are the factories of sunny Dagestan, namely Kizlyar and Derbent. Here I would like to make a small clarification: in Dagestan there are a lot of small enterprises that produce cognacs, since this is considered a matter of honor for a dzhigit and only the lazy do not produce cognac there. That is why it is quite possible to make a mistake and instead of Lezginka buy Lezginochka or something more or less visually close to her. In an effort to conquer the market, many manufacturers create labels for their products that mislead the consumer. This is an outright falsification.

Read the label carefully, and even more carefully read the back label. Look for reliable information.

In addition to the name, look at the quality of the label printing: it should be bright, even, shiny. A good label is glued with high quality and does not have adhesive smudges, roughness or folds. Be sure to check the closure of the goods: the shrink cap should not scroll, and there should be a cork under it.

Evaluate the product you have chosen visually. Factories with centuries of history are very scrupulous about the appearance of their products, they will not allow any flaws. If anything is in doubt, then it is better to refrain from buying – do not buy such cognac for yourself, and even more so as a gift to the hero of the occasion.

Attention: active falsification is directed to the category of the best-selling goods of low and medium price categories. More valuable and aged, expensive and little-selling cognacs are not counterfeited, because it is unprofitable!

What the stars and letters tell

Many people know that domestic cognacs are marked on the labels with asterisks or letters. Three stars is the smallest cognac in terms of aging and it is completely inappropriate to present it. Five stars is a more mature product, but again, for a gift, it is a stretch. These are all ordinary cognacs, and they do not deserve special attention. Leave them for a friendly feast and move on to the next shelf.

Stop your attention on the cognac abbreviation KVVK, KS or OS. Such cognacs are called vintage and collection. It is they who will delight the donee with their full-bodied taste and aroma.

For information: aged, old cognacs are sure to come in a gift box, and cheaper ones - without it. Great cognacs are beautiful in form and content, so the bottle must be beautiful.

Decryption

KVVK- aged cognac, of the highest quality, it contains cognac spirits in its blend at least 8 years old.

KS- translates as old cognac. It is created from cognac spirits having aged in oak for 10 years or more.

OS- Cognac is very old. A real crown of creations of winemakers. To create it, the best spirits and the best oak are used. It is aged for 20 years or more.

One more piece of advice. Before you go shopping, go to the official websites of the factories. Check out the range on offer. Study the information about the product and its price, see how it looks visually.

Cognacs of Dagestan - the Caspian soul of Russia

1. Noble cognac "Russia"

The first contender for a hand and heart for a gift or present is the noble cognac "Russia" produced by FSUE. It has been aged in oak barrels for at least 15 years. and has a mild taste with pronounced tones of aging in oak. Taste balance is spicy, fruity. It is considered the official cognac of the Kremlin.

The average price is within 4,250 rubles per 0.7 liter.

2. Cognac "Peter the Great » is a tradition of the Russian

empires

It will be one of the best gifts for a man who appreciates the traditions and richness of Russian history. Cognac "Peter the Great" has an aging of 25 years.

The aroma is complex, it can be found the smell of vanilla and leather. The taste is raisin and almond, and the aftertaste is long and elegant.

Price - from 5,000 rubles per 0.7 liters.

3. Cognac in souvenir porcelain from Kizlyar

The FSUE plant is perhaps one of the few that offers the market souvenirs in porcelain. Cognac KS Shtof "Eagle" has at least 15 years of aging and has the aroma of meadow herbs and tones of pine needles, combines the balance of spices and fruity aroma. Soft and harmonious in taste "Eagle" will be a wonderful gift. It is unlikely that you will be able to buy such a gift in a regular store - this rare product requires a pre-order.

Estimated for exclusivity from 6,000 rubles.

4. Cognac "Senator" - well-deserved respect

The second leader in the cognac market among domestic producers is undoubtedly the Derbent factory. For complete information on the label should be written JSC "Derbent Cognac Plant". As a gift from this manufacturer, you can offer cognac "Senator" in a crystal decanter, which is produced from cognac spirits of oak aging for more than 10 years. The aroma is complex with hints of vanilla and chocolate. The taste is mild. The aftertaste is harmonious and rounded. The product was awarded gold medals. Produced in a gift box.

Price - from 6,100 rubles.

5. Cognac "President" - no comments

Cognac "President" with a 30-year exposure speaks for itself. A very old cognac in a crystal decanter. It has a full taste and buttery body. The blue silk of the gift wrapping is elegantly combined with the golden coat of arms of the Russian Empire.

Very expensive cognac! Estimated at 30,000 rubles.

For information to the buyer: if collection cognacs may seem too expensive and unaffordable, and ordinary ones are not suitable as a gift, then feel free to buy vintage cognacs. They are not very expensive, but the quality is excellent.

Armenian sun in a cognac glass

Following Russian cognacs, Armenian cognacs follow. But not all the gold that came down from Mount Ararat. Supermarket shelves are full of offers of cognacs from Armenian producers, and most often its cheap versions are presented in frosted bottles.

YBC (Yerevan Brandy Factory) has been and remains a classic of the genre, leading the history since 1887, which has not lost its age-old traditions to this day. Skipping the ordinary star cognacs, start your selection with 10-15 year old cognacs.

6. Cognac "Vaspurakan" - the legend of Armenia

A win-win solution as a gift can be Vaspurakan - this is a 15-year-old cognac,having its own individual character. This is a rather old cognac, it has a harmonious bouquet with woody notes that complement the aromas of spicy and coffee. The soft and delicate taste of "Vaspurakan" will undoubtedly appeal to even connoisseurs and gourmets.

Price - from 4,200 rubles.

7. Cognac "Noy" – song of the Caucasus

Literally across the road from YBC is the equally famous Yerevan Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory, which produces the popular Noy cognac. It is represented on the alcohol market by a wide range of cognacs, among which any consumer can find an option suitable for the price and quality. An excellent gift is "Noah Classic" 20 years old in oak. The donee will feel in its taste notes of bitter chocolate, almonds and vanilla, as well as southern dried fruits. It is distinguished by velvety softness, purity of taste and a slightly tart aftertaste.

The price for 0.5 liters is from 4,200 rubles.

French cognac - on the crest of a wave

In a sea of cognac, France rules the roost. She has been the undisputed leader and progenitor of cognac production for many thousands of years. It is on its unique soils that the best white Ugni Blanc grapes grow, which is able to give the world the magnificence of this drink. Cognac is born in the region of the same name, in the department of Charente. A drink of royalty and emperors, knights and midshipmen, it makes anyone who touches it fall in love with it from the first sip.

Interesting fact:

Cognac production in France is strictly regulated by the state. Even a small drop of a drink that goes against the legal regulations, technology or blend can significantly affect the name of a particular manufacturer, among which there is fierce competition and they value their reputation very much.

8. Cognacs of France - the best choice

Any cognac produced in the Cognac region (a French city in the Charente department) is a guaranteed quality product.

Let's name five great cognac houses, any of which can take first place:

Popular Hennessy,
Gorgeous Martel,
Aristocratic Otard,
Noble Courvoisier,
Harmonious Remy Martin.

All of them deserve attention and any of them is able to give true pleasure.

In fact, there are many more producers in the Charente region, and they all keep the blend recipe of their drink in strict confidence. Whatever French cognac you buy as a gift, know that in your hands is true gold with a long history, which is not ashamed to give to a respected person.

As is the case with the Russian and Armenian variants, the best examples of creation are French cognacs of the X.O. (Extra Old), Extra, Gold Reserv, Napoleon. Before appearing to the world in all its glory, they mature in the best oak barrels for an average of 20 years. That is why their taste is so grown-up, round, oily, rich, soft, not burning the taste buds. In old cognacs, the smell of alcohol is practically absent, they capture the aromas of heather honey and oak bark, in their taste - the sweetness of dried fruits and vanilla notes. An incredible number of epithets describe this drink: divine, elegant, refined, soft, round, full-bodied. Real cognac is a magical melody that you want to listen to endlessly!

Of course, such masterpieces cannot be cheap. Their market price is an average of 10 thousand rubles. Not every Russian has the opportunity to spend such an amount on a gift. In this case, you can consider the cognac category V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale) - the cost of a bottle of such a product will be half as much.

Interesting fact:

The shorter the exposure of cognac, the sharper and tougher the taste of the drink. Cognac is a living organism, it must mature, grow up and gain intelligence and strength in the process of aging and communicating with oak. It would be foolish to require a baby to solve the most difficult mathematical problems ... right?

Whiskey is a drink for the elite

Cognac as a gift is undeniably the most popular option, but many men (rarely women) prefer to drink whiskey. Whiskey is a strong alcoholic drink produced using a special technology from fermented grain must and malt. It varies in quality, origin and preparation technology: it can be long-aged in an oak barrel and completely young, blended and single malt. Living water is the middle name that strong whiskey deservedly received. A healing and warming sip of quality whiskey can work wonders, revitalize and invigorate any body.

However, in order to understand which whiskey to choose for a gift, you need to at least a little understand the process of its manufacture. As unfortunate as it may sound, not everything that is whiskey is what is written on the label.

Whiskey is produced in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, America and Japan. They differ from each other in their taste and aroma.

The lowest stage of whiskey production is single and blended whiskey, which is mainly used for making cocktails. This whiskey has a harsh taste. Drinking it in its pure form is rarely liked by anyone, and diluting it with Coca-Cola is not a rule of good taste.

If you want to get true quality as a gift, then hurry away from the shelves with yellow promotional price tags. Three for the price of two is not your option today. Look for a more aged product, and even better - a single malt. And so that the price does not scare you - stock up on fortitude and a couple of solid banknotes.

It is believed that the understanding of drinking and the taste of whiskey comes with age and it takes a certain time to realize it. A particularly aged whiskey should be given to a mature person who already knows a lot about drinking whiskey and is able to appreciate its quality, while a less aged one is quite suitable for a young person who is just starting his journey into the sea of elite alcohol.

Blended Johnny is a master of his craft

The most popular whiskey brand in the world is Johnny Walker. On the shelves of stores, it is presented in various options from the most ordinary to the real creation. The red label "Johnny Walker" is considered the easiest gift option. EIts taste is too rustic and does not have much zest. He has an exposure of 3 to 5 years in oak barrels. According to the classification, it belongs to young whiskey varieties. The price for 0.7 liters in a gift box is within 1,700 rubles.

9. Whiskey "Johnny Walker" – gold label

There are more expensive varieties of "Johnny Walker", such as the gold label. This whiskey has been aged in oak for at least 18 years, the product is blended. The price of such a drink is an order of magnitude higher than the previous one - it ranges from 5,900 rubles per bottle in a gift box. Its juicy taste reveals vanilla, spices and spices, almond and honey aroma. When used, it shows itself as oily and velvety, which is especially appreciated by true gourmets.

10. Whiskey "Johnny Walker" – black label

Intermediate between the red and gold label is a blended "Johnny Walker" in a black label. 12 years of oak aging gave this drink an excellent balanced taste. It has aromas of citrus and raisins, malt, peat and smoky. This whiskey will be a good gift for those who do not smoke cigars, but prefer to drink whiskey with cola and ice.

The price is approximately 2,400 rubles.

Single malt whiskey - the crown of creations

But all this is just the flowers of distilling skills, the real berries are single malt whiskey. Its taste is truly unique and cannot be compared with any other drink. It belongs to the category of elite alcohol. Whiskey labeled "single malt" produced in the UK, France, Japan, O however, the palm remains with the stubborn Scots.

Its difference from the blended one is that it is produced in one distillery, and only the best malted barley and crystal clear water are used in its production. It does not contain other grain impurities in its composition. Single malt whiskey is pure gold and the pride of Scottish distilleries.

We bring to your attention the most common brands of single malt, aged whiskey, which are ideal as a gift and leave an indelible mark on the taste buds of the hero of the occasion.

11. Whiskey "Glenfiddich" - a gift on the topic

The hit parade opens with the incomparable Glenfiddich (Glenfiddich), which has been aged in American and European oak for 12 years. Its amber color and round taste contain woody notes and aromas of vanilla and honey, pear and chocolate appear in its sweet aftertaste. Sold in a gift tube.

The price for 0.75 liters varies within 4,000 rubles.

12. Whiskey "Glenlivet" – meaningful

gentleman

Behind him is his older tribesman - single malt Glenlivet (Glenlivet) with 15 years of exposure. It matures in French oak and has the color of old gold. The taste is sweet and velvety. In its content, the main violin is played by a rich creamy aroma with notes of nuts, citrus fruits and flowers. The aftertaste is noble.

The cost of such a gift is from 5,600 rubles per 0.7 liter.

13. Whiskey "Lafroig" – gift not for the faint of heart

At the top of today's pedestal stands the undisputed leader - a magnificent 18-year-old strong Laphroaig (Laphroaig). Chocolate and nutty, sweet and caramel, the peaty Laphroig is a whiskey so rich and full-bodied that you can talk about it indefinitely, how long its long and balanced finish lasts.

The price for 0.7 liters is from 9,400 rubles.

Such a gift is ideal for a true connoisseur of whiskey. For beginners, its taste may seem too complicated, because drinking single malt whiskey is a special art!

Finally

Of course, the world market for the production of cognac and whiskey is so large and extensive that it is simply impossible to cover it in one article. But when choosing alcohol as a gift, it is absolutely not necessary to have a special sommelier education, because having a desire, each person is able to self-learn and improve in this area, and then reap the beneficial fruits of their labor.