Cognac, as an independent finished drink, became known in the 17th century in the province of France, which gave it its name. The creators of the brandy pursued the goal of increasing shelf life for long-term transportation of goods. Ordinary wines often did not survive long trade expeditions and deteriorated. "Burnt wine" was obtained from fermented grape juice heated in a distillation still, as a result of which the strength of the drink increased.
Cognac, made in compliance with the technology, and not by diluting flavors, dyes and preservatives in alcohol, is a strong alcoholic drink that is little affected by external factors. But still, during storage, some nuances should be taken into account.
Tightness
An open bottle of cognac does not turn sour, like wine and beer, however, the air degrades the aroma and taste of the drink over time. It is recommended to store it after opening the bottle for no more than three months in order to avoid the evaporation of alcohol. In order to prevent the cork from drying out and air entering the bottle, the neck is sealed with sealing wax.
Bottle position
Cognac alcohol reacts with the cork if it is not made of glass, and this leads to a change in the taste of the drink. Therefore, the bottles should be stored standing up.
Temperature and lighting
Connoisseurs of cognac maintain an optimal temperature in the bar between 5 and 15 ° C. The drink does not like direct sunlight, which is why expensive brands are sold in tinted glass bottles, which are placed in tubes or boxes. To store your skate at home, it's best to use the minibar, or keep the bottles on a separate shelf in a kitchen cabinet. The storage space must be dark.
Shelf life
The biggest misconception is that cognac's taste and strength improve from year to year when stored at home in a bottle. Aging makes sense only in oak barrels, subject to the required humidity and temperature. After pouring into glass, the drink should be consumed within the period recommended by the manufacturer. With a long shelf life of especially expensive brands of drink, the collection should be checked from time to time for sediment and turbidity.
Beware of counterfeits
How not to become a victim of scammers who pour cheap cognac spirits into expensive bottles and sell them under the guise of fine brands? It is necessary to purchase cognac in large specialized stores. There must be an excise stamp on the bottle. Pay attention to the cork - it must be wooden. When the bottle is turned over, the remnants of the noble drink drip, while fakes flow down the walls.
Cognac, selected with knowledge of the issue, subject to the storage rules, will be ready for use for the entire period set by the manufacturer.
