Hennessy and Martell against Tavria. Clash of the Titans
Hennessy and Martell against Tavria. Clash of the Titans
Centre of Expertise "Test" conducted a comparative test of the two most well-known brands of cognac France, on the classification of exposure VS and V.S.O.P. and the most famous Ukrainian representative with the same classification - Houses vintage cognacs "Tavria".
According to the experts all the tested brand organoleptic qualities were highly expert evaluation.
Every real man in his list of favorite things is brandy from one or more of the most prestigious brands in the world. And because these brands today have become leaders of global sales in its segment, and the stars do not tire of talking about their qualities.
«Martell» - is the oldest of the major cognac houses. Its sales volume reaches 22 million bottles a year.
«Hennessy» - one of the most famous cognac houses of France. This luxurious drink are sold each year in the amount of more than 50 million bottles.
It is not surprising that most of the men in the world prefer brandy «Martell» and «Hennessy».
Everyone knows that France is the home of cognac. And somehow it is assumed that natural brandy from there and be the best, most delicious and very real. But then, Ukrainian producers have rich experience in the production of the drink and the Carpathian oak trees are not inferior to the French.
Many consumers are interested in how different the quality of domestic and imported products. Therefore it was decided to include in the test two popular French cognac «Martell» and «Hennessy» and the most popular domestic brandy brand "Tavria". The study was performed in two groups - 3 years of aging (VS), and 5 years of aging (VSOP).
The testing program consisted of the evaluation of labeling and packaging, testing in the laboratory on the authenticity of cognacs, as well as their taste, involving, as ordinary consumers - probands and professionals - sommeliers.
Both tastings conducted "in the blind", ie without prior announcement of brands, to avoid affecting the results. The results surprised the tasting: the huge difference between the French brandy and cognac was not domestic. On the "good" proved both Brandy "Tavria" and «Hennessy VS». "Excellent" flavor characteristics could boast both cognac «Martell» and «Hennessy VSOP»
In the laboratory, cognacs investigated in three ways. On the one hand, to find out whether real cognac was in testing, it was necessary to check the hard liquor to 18 volatile components. On the other hand, to assess the exposure of cognacs verified the content of the components of oak aging (5 more substances). It is important not only the presence or amount of one substance and their totality. The third area of testing - measures that are normalized according to DSTU: Fortress, sugar, copper and iron. Copper and iron in large amounts may fall in the brandy alcohol distillation by contact with iron and copper apparatus. Elevated levels of metals in brandy gives the drink unpleasant flavors.
The findings of laboratory tests are all 6 samples are indeed real cognac, which corresponds to the claimed exposure. As for Gostovskaya indicators, then the French cognacs noted sugar, a little lower than those in the standard, but the estimates for this is not reduced.
In category 3, the shutter speed (VS) overall rating of "excellent" in cognac «Martell», "good" in cognac "Tavria» and «Hennessy».
In Category 5 years of aging (VSOP) two "honors» - «Martell» and «Hennessy». Overall rating of "good" in cognac "Tavria".
As for the price, then 100 ml of that «Martell» (52grn / 81grn - depending on age) that «Hennessy» (65grn / 95grn) is much more expensive than a half-liter bottle of domestic brandy "Tavria" (48grn/67grn) . But in the estimates is not such a big difference. As the comments from the laboratory to the cognac was not, the overall estimates coincide with estimates based on organoleptic. So that the consumer will not lose if would prefer a Ukrainian producer, while significantly saving.
More information at: http://test.org.ua/tests/food/399