Armenian and Georgian brandy often sit on the same shelf, and people keep asking which is better. Both have a long history and their own grape varieties. Here is how they differ and how to compare them fairly.
History
Both traditions began in the late 19th century. In Georgia, David Sarajishvili opened a brandy distillery in Tbilisi in 1884, and his first brandy was ready four years later.
In Armenia, Nerses Tairyan founded a wine and brandy factory in Yerevan in 1887. Nikolay Shustov later bought it, and Armenian brandy became known far beyond Armenia. Legend has it that Winston Churchill was very fond of it.
Grapes and land
Armenian brandy is made from local white varieties grown on the volcanic soil of the Ararat valley, among them Voskehat and Garan Dmak. Summers there are hot and dry, winters snowy.
Georgian brandy traditionally uses Rkatsiteli from Kakheti and Tsolikouri from Imereti. Different grapes and soils give a different taste even before distillation.
Oak
Armenian brandy is aged in Caucasian oak, which producers credit for its notes of dried fruit, spice, vanilla and chocolate. In Georgia, since Sarajishvili's time, both local and French oak have been used.
How to compare them yourself
Compare brandies of the same age: a twenty-year-old Armenian brandy belongs next to a twenty-year-old Georgian one. Pour both into tulip glasses, let them rest a few minutes and taste them without food. Pay attention to the aroma, sweetness, oak and the length of the finish.
Which is better comes down to taste. Both countries make good brandy, and age and producer matter more than the flag on the label.
TUFF
TUFF is made from white grapes of the Ararat valley, distilled twice and aged in Caucasian oak: TUFF XO for 20 years, TUFF Heritage for 30. Each bottle is closed with a cap of Armenian volcanic tuff carved by hand. The TUFF collection
Questions and answers
Which is better, Armenian or Georgian brandy?
It is a matter of taste. Each has its own grapes and style. Compare brandies of the same age from reliable producers.
When did Armenian brandy appear?
Nerses Tairyan founded the first brandy factory in Yerevan in 1887.
When did Georgian brandy appear?
David Sarajishvili opened his brandy distillery in Tbilisi in 1884.
Which grapes is Armenian brandy made from?
From local white varieties of the Ararat valley, among them Voskehat and Garan Dmak.
How to choose Armenian brandy · Armenian brandy: a guide · Brandy or cognac
Read next: The Ararat valley: where the grapes for Armenian brandy grow · Brandy vs whiskey: what is the difference
