ARMENIA - Yerevan (Ararat Brandy Factory Visit)

Brandy tasting is one of the main things to do in Yerevan. Although Armenia does not springs to mind when you think of brandy, Armenian brandies have been recipients of many awards and medal over the previous century including the brand Ararat which won the ‘Product of the Year’ for four years in a row in Russia.  

When asked about the secret of longevity. Winston Churchill answered without hesitation, “Never be late for dinner, smoke Cuba cigars and drink Armenian Brandy”.





Produced since 1887, the Yerevan Brandy Company was founded by Nerses Tairyants.



Armenian brandy became a favourite amongst Soviet politician.



You have to book the visit prior to the tour of the factory.



The opening hours of Ararat Visitors Center.



Reportedly, Winston Churchill was so impressed with the Armenian brandy Joseph Stalin gave to him that he asked for several cases of brandy to be sent to him each year.



We start a guided tour into the factory where the country’s most popular brand Ararat brandy is produced.



The tour guide explaining the regions of where the brandies are produced.





Cellars of barrels, some dating back to the 19th century.



As I passed by here, the alcohol smell coming out if these barrels were overwhelming.Staying here any longer will get you drunk, even without drinking it.



A 5 minutes presentation of the company.



Some of the different types of brandy being bottled by the company.



The hills of the Ararat Mountain produced some of the finest grapes and by law, only five grapes varieties may be used for the Armenian brandy which are Rkatsiteli, Mskhali, Garan Damak, Kangu and Voskehat.



Made from Armenian white grapes and spring water, the wine is double distilled whereby each batch is separated into three separated parts. The head, heart and tail. The heart is aged in Krasnodar barrels for nine months and later transferred to old barrels. The head and tail are collected separately and re-distilled.  



Some of the barrels given to famous people and presidents of different countries.



This barrel was offered on the occasion of the visit of the President of Poland in 2011.



My curious son touching anything he can reach.



The storage room.



The steel door guarding the precious brandies.



The Krasnodar oak barrels are made from 100 year old trees which have been hand split and seasoned prior to making the barrel.



A 3D like presentation of how a barrel is being assembled. Its not really a man there, just a projection.



The finished product.



The Peace Barrel.



This Peace Barrel was set for ageing since 2001 and will be opened when Karabakh conflict is resolved.



Family photo at the barrel weigh.



Some of the many awards won by the company. Over 24 million bottles are exported to Russia every year and their brandies have been recipient of many awards over the previous century.



The preserved office of someone. The founder I guess!





Some of the vintage brandies.



An ugly looking sculpture. I think it means drink moderately or you’ll end up looking like this monster. Haha.



After about an hour or so, I completed the tour.



The symbol of Ararat Brandy.



After the tour, we got to taste the finest Armenia brandy. One is a 5 years old and another a 10 years old brandy.



My son smelling the brandy.



Don’t think my son like it though.



My beau gulping it all. Seems like he liked it very much.



Cheers! Just a sip will do for me.



The right quantity to pour a brandy. When you tip over your glass, the brandy should not spill.



Uncovering the past to understand the present.



After the brandy tasting, you are of course encouraged to purchase some of their finest brandy. Too bad, I’m heading back to Qatar where alcoholic drinks are strictly forbidden to be brought in.



With the reorganization of the Yerevan Wine and Brandy Factory the factory building was separated to the Yerevan Brandy Factory and Yerevan Wine Factory. This plant dates back to 1953 when a new building was constructed specifically for the production of brandy.    



The Yerevan Brandy Factory stands on a high plateau with its nine austere arches and long flight of steps leading to it. The building is hailed as one of the best architectural examples of the Soviet period in Yerevan.



With the collapse of Soviet Union. so did the economy of Armenia. Desperately short of cash, the government of Armenia sold the the company to French distiller Pernod Ricard.



A sculpture at the wall of the building.



Located opposite is the Yerevan Ararat Wine Factory located on the left bank of Hrazdan river, occupying the area of the historic Erivan Fortress. 



Established in 1877, the building is officially known as Yerevan Ararat Brandy-Wine-Vodka Factory or just Noy. This is where the Yerevan Brandy Company started. The founder, Nerses Tairyants began distilling brandy here 10 years before establishing his company. You can also opt for a brandy tour at this factory.  



View of Ararat Mountain from here.



Even though the peak is obscure by clouds, the twin mountain can still be seen.



Walked around the premises for a while before leaving.



Autumn foliage.



Interesting visit to the brandy factory. More of a brandy museum actually. If you have nothing much to do or a brandy fan, it's well worth a visit as its located within the city of Yerevan. Because it's located on higher ground, the view of Mount Ararat from here is nice.