Ararat

Named after the eponymous mountain in Yerevan, Ararat is the most famous Armenian brandy. Ararat was first introduced in 1887, and it was mainly modeled on the famed French cognac-making tradition. Although Armenian producers copied French methods, the combination of spring water from the Katnaghbyur source, climate, and native grapes influenced the creation of a brandy that has been praised for its excellent quality and a unique character.

The brandy is exclusively produced from local Armenian grapes that are grown in Ararat Valley, and it is aged for at least three years in centuries-old Caucasian oak casks. Depending on the age of the blend, Ararat can be labeled differently, while specialty blends also carry various designations.

Ararat brandy usually displays aromas and flavors of dried fruit, vanilla, and dried herbs. It is recommended to serve it neat or over ice, preferably in a snifter glass, but it also incorporates well into various cocktails. From its beginnings, Armenian brandy was labeled as cognac or kanyak, but since the European Union officially forbade the name, Armenian brandy is now labeled as arbun.

However, in Armenia, virtually everyone sticks to its original name. Although it was never confirmed, the most popular legend relating to Ararat claims that Winston Churchill ordered copious amounts of the brandy after Joseph Stalin offered it to him at the Yalta Conference in 1944.