Production Areas

Overview

The Production Areas of the Yerevan Brandy Company, nestled in the heart of Yerevan, Armenia, offer a captivating journey into the meticulous craft of creating Armenia's legendary 'Ararat' brandy. This is where the generosity of the Armenian land transforms into a globally renowned spirit, steeped in history and tradition. Visitors can explore the various stages of brandy production, from the careful selection of local grapes to the intricate processes of distillation, aging, and blending. It's a place where ancient winemaking traditions meet modern expertise, providing a unique glimpse into the soul of Armenian craftsmanship.

The company, established in 1887, has evolved into a symbol of national pride. Its production facilities are designed to honor the traditional methods while incorporating contemporary technologies to ensure the highest quality. A tour through these areas reveals the dedication and artistry involved in every bottle of Ararat brandy.

History & Cultural Background

The story of brandy production at the Yerevan Brandy Company began in 1887 when merchant Nerses Tairyan founded the distillery, greatly influenced by his cousin, oenologist Vasily Tairov. They embraced the classic French Charentais method of cognac-making, importing traditional alembic stills and constructing specialized aging cellars.

A significant milestone occurred in 1900 when a consignment of Armenian brandy, submitted anonymously to the Paris World's Fair, was awarded the Grand Prix, earning it the rare privilege to be called 'cognac' outside of France. During the Soviet era, the factory was nationalized and became a central hub for Armenian brandy production, eventually relocating to its current monumental building overlooking the Hrazdan River in 1953. In 1998, the Yerevan Brandy Company became part of the international Pernod Ricard group, continuing its legacy of excellence.

What Makes It Special

The uniqueness of Yerevan Brandy Company's production lies in several key elements. It begins with the exceptional local white grape varieties, such as Mskhali, Kangun, Garandmak, and Voskehat, cultivated in the sun-drenched Ararat Valley and Tavush region. These grapes are handpicked and delicately pressed using pneumatic presses to preserve their rich aroma. The distillation process employs a classic double distillation, with a special emphasis on steam distillation, ensuring that only the purest 'heart' fraction of the spirit is used.

Perhaps most iconic are the aging cellars, home to thousands of Caucasian oak barrels. These barrels, crafted by hand from oak trees over 70 years old, impart distinctive notes of dried fruits, spices, vanilla, chocolate, walnut, and cocoa to the brandy. The tight grain of Caucasian oak accelerates maturation and contributes significantly to the brandy's unique character. The blending, an art form in itself, involves master blenders harmonizing spirits of various ages, using pure spring water from the Katnakhbyur source to achieve the legendary Ararat taste.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Yerevan Brandy Company is rich with stories. One of the most famous anecdotes involves Winston Churchill, who was reputedly a great admirer of Armenian brandy, particularly the 'Dvin' blend, with a legend stating he ordered hundreds of bottles annually. The factory even maintains special barrels for world leaders, including one once reserved for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A poignant symbol found within the production areas is the 'Peace Barrel', set for aging in 2001, which will only be opened once the Karabakh conflict is resolved. This highlights the brandy's deep connection to Armenian national identity and hope. The tradition of Armenian winemaking itself dates back millennia, with archaeological discoveries of the world's oldest known winery in the Areni region, underscoring the ancient roots of this craft. The craftsmanship extends to the cooperage, where barrels are handmade, and some can be used for up to 80 years before being ceremoniously burned to create new ones, a cycle of renewal.

Visitor Perspective

For a curious traveler, visiting the production areas of the Yerevan Brandy Company is an immersive sensory experience. Guided tours typically walk visitors through the main halls, showcasing the impressive distillation equipment and the sprawling aging cellars filled with oak barrels. While not always directly accessible, visitors can often view the aging process through glass partitions, witnessing the silent work of time on the spirits.

The tours usually culminate in a tasting session, where experts guide guests through various blends, explaining the nuances of each vintage. This allows visitors to appreciate the culmination of the entire production process. The ARARAT Museum on site further enriches the experience, presenting the company's history, archival materials, and historical equipment, solidifying the brandy's place in Armenian culture and global recognition.