According to Armenian folklore, the first grapes were planted by Noah on the fertile plains of Mount Ararat, where the Ark came to rest in 4000 B.C. Cradled in antiquity, between the Black and Caspian seas. Armenia is renowned for its fine brandies (also known in the Soviet Union as Armenian Cognac) that have won more than 80 gold and silver medals in International competition. Perfected over the years, Ararat brandy is the pride of Armenia because of its superior quality and the positive reception it receives wherever it is served. Like many other famous alcohol drinks, aromatic brandies were first blended by the monks of Armenia's monasteries. From the remote distilleries astride the ancient Silk Route, the wines were exported and consumed throughout the USSR, and until recently, only 10% of the brandy produced at the Ararat Distillery in Yerevan was exported out of the Soviet Union. The remainder, being of such high quality, was only available to a select minority and utilized a state banquets and functions. It is delightful served straight, on the rocks or mixed to your personal pleasure. Winston Churchill had been known to enjoy Armenian Brandy with his cigars.

The hills of the Ararat regions in the Republic of Armenia produce some of the finest grapes in the Soviet Union and include the varieties utilized in the distillation of superb brandies:

• Ararat 3 Star
• Ararat 5 Star
• Ani aged 6 years
• Entir/Otoborny aged 7 years
• Artsakh aged 9 years
• Akhtamar aged 10 years
• Donakan-Prazdnichny aged 15 years
• Vapourakan aged 18 years
• Nairi aged 20 years
• Erebouni aged 25 years

The grapes are of local aboriginal type, and late-September / early-October of each year is a festive time in the vineyards, as the grapes are harvested in preparation for the process that will eventually lead to the bottled nectar’s availability on shelves throughout the world.

Once gathered, the grapes are taken to process that are designed to extract the juice without the risk of crushing pips and stalks. Kept in vats, the juice is clarified without recourse to the use of chemicals and then allowed to ferment gently until the distillation process.

The Armenians use only the finest quality Limousine oak casks. The oak, whose tannin and porous nature enable the spirit to develop its beautiful golden color and aroma, are specially selected and stored, covered, out in the open for at least three years to allow the wood to season. The casks with the precious liquid are then stored in massive cellars for up to 40 years, at carefully monitored levels of temperature and humidity, to ensure perfection.

At long last, the Master Blender, whose skills are handed down through generations, applies his expertise to the matured spirits in order to create these magnificent brandies.

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