Armenian brandy is very good indeed and there are more brandy distilleries per capita in Yerevan than in any other city in the world. When Armenia was part of the Soviet Empire the country was tasked with producing brandy and around 25% of the supply to the USSR came from Armenia.
Stalin is reported to have served copious amounts of Armenian brandy to Churchill and Roosevelt at the post-war Yalta conference. By all accounts, Churchill loved the stuff!
It seems that many people around the world agree with Churchill as nearly 6 million gallons of this golden liquid is produced in Armenia today, with around 90% of that being exported to more than 30 countries.
Something that we love about the ancient Birthplace of Wine is that Georgia and Armenia, in particular, are remaining true to their traditional roots in using indigenous grapes in wine and spirit production. Armenian brandy uses a base wine made from one of either Voskehat, Garan Dmak, Mskhali, Kangun, and Rkatsiteli. Rkatsiteli is a grape originally from Georgia.
Brandy has allegedly been distilled in the region since the 12th Century, although it is difficult to prove. If this is actually true then this pre-dates some European countries such as France and Spain. Something that is certainly true is that the oldest winery yet
Two of the heavy hitters in Yerevan are the Ararat Brandy Company and the Noy Wine, Brandy and Vodka Factory. Traveling with us you will have the chance to visit one or both of these and another lesser-known establishment. The Ararat Brandy Company, in particular, is a great place to see. The tasting at the end of the factory tour will enable you to
