ARARAT Apricot is a unique product in the range of the legendary brand, combining centuries-old traditions of brandy craftsmanship with a modern approach to creating beverages. It is the result of two years of research by the masters of the Yerevan Brandy Company, who sought to find the perfect balance between the organoleptic richness of brandy and the aromatic intensity of apricot. ARARAT reflects the philosophy of a premium brandy that respects tradition while embracing contemporary taste preferences.
ARARAT Apricot spirit drink is created on the basis of 6-year-old ARARAT Armenian brandy with the addition of natural apricot flavor. It has a strength of 30% ABV and a golden-sunny color with amber highlights. The drink combines the centuries-old traditions of ARARAT Armenian brandy production with innovative creative exploration, bringing together a legendary brand and the unique taste of apricot.
The story of ARARAT Apricot began with the desire of the masters to create a drink that would embody the taste of summer all year round. Apricot was not chosen by chance — this fruit is considered one of the symbols of the region, and its combination with aged brandy creates a harmonious composition where classic tradition meets modern creativity.
Production and Aging
ARARAT Apricot is created from Armenian brandy aged for 6 years in Caucasian oak barrels. The production process begins with the traditional double distillation of selected white grapes grown in the Ararat valley & Tavush region. After aging, the brandy spirits undergo careful selection by master blenders who create the base for the future drink.
Creating ARARAT Apricot required two years of research to find the ideal combination between the organoleptic richness of brandy and the aromatic intensity of apricot. This meticulous process carried out by ARARAT master blenders guarantees a product that is both innovative and faithful to tradition.
Apricot extract is added at the final stage of production, when carefully selected natural apricot extracts are introduced into the aged brandy. The result is a harmonious balance where the warm aromas of brandy intertwine with the sweet and fruity notes of apricot, creating a unique flavor profile.
Organoleptic Characteristics
Color: Golden-sunny with amber highlights — visually the drink is immediately associated with warmth and summer. Its shades resemble ripe apricots illuminated by the southern sun.
Aroma: A combination of brandy nuances with the aroma of ripe apricots and notes of licorice and vanilla. During tasting, the characteristic oak and vanilla notes of aged brandy appear first, gradually transitioning into bright fruity aromas of ripe apricot. Delicate notes of licorice add depth and complexity to the composition.
Taste: Intense tones of ripe fruits and apricot jam develop into a sweet apricot aftertaste. During tasting, ARARAT Apricot reveals a delicate aroma with a lingering bright and light taste of summer. The flavor profile is balanced — the sweetness of apricot does not overpower the classic brandy notes but complements them, creating a multilayered composition.
Finish: Soft and long, with dominant notes of fresh apricots. Hints of vanilla and licorice give the finish elegance and depth.
Ways to Enjoy
ARARAT Apricot reveals itself equally vividly when chilled, served over ice, or used in cocktails. The versatility of this drink makes it an ideal choice for various occasions and serving styles.
Neat
ARARAT Apricot can be enjoyed neat at room temperature to fully appreciate its complex flavor profile and delicate aromas. Serve the drink in glasses or tulip-shaped snifters to concentrate the aromas.
Chilled
One of the recommended serving methods is to chill the drink in the refrigerator to 10–12°C. Chilling emphasizes fresh fruit notes and makes the drink particularly refreshing, ideal for warm seasons.
With Ice
Serving with ice is a modern way of enjoying the drink that makes it more accessible and lighter.
In Cocktails
ARARAT Apricot is an excellent base for creating cocktails. Its fruity profile pairs perfectly with carbonated drinks, juices, prosecco, and other ingredients. Mixes with Sprite, apple juice, as well as classic cocktails with creative interpretations are especially popular.
Gastronomic Pairings with ARARAT Apricot
Pair the tasting with marzipan or almond-based desserts to fully reveal the bright flavor of the product. The apricot notes of the drink create wonderful harmony with certain dishes and ingredients.
Desserts:
- Marzipan and almond desserts
- Peach and apricot tarts
- Panna cotta with fruit sauces
- Crème brûlée
- Sponge cakes with fruit creams
- Cheesecakes with apricot jam
Cheeses:
- Soft cheeses: Brie, Camembert
- Goat cheese
- Mascarpone
- Cream cheeses with delicate texture
Fruits and Nuts:
- Fresh and dried apricots
- Peaches
- Almonds
- Hazelnuts
- Figs
Chocolate:
- White chocolate — creates an ideal balance of sweetness
- Milk chocolate with nuts
- Desserts with chocolate-caramel filling
ARARAT Apricot within the Brand Range
ARARAT Apricot belongs to the Flavors line together with other innovative products of the brand — ARARAT Coffee, ARARAT Cherry, and ARARAT Honey. This collection represents the company’s modern approach to beverage creation, where classic brandy traditions meet creative experimentation.
Unlike the classic ARARAT brandies (3 Stars, 5 Stars, Akhtamar, Nairi), which focus on the purity of brandy taste and the complexity of aging, the Flavors line offers a more accessible and versatile format. These are drinks for those who appreciate the quality of ARARAT brandy but prefer a softer, fruitier profile.
ARARAT Apricot differs from liqueurs thanks to its higher strength (30% ABV) and the presence of a 6-year-aged brandy base, which gives the drink depth and complexity unattainable for ordinary fruit liqueurs.
Advantages and Distinctive Features
Unique base: Unlike most apricot liqueurs, ARARAT Apricot is created on the basis of 6-year-aged brandy, which gives the drink noble depth and complexity.
Balance of tradition and innovation: The drink preserves all the classic characteristics of ARARAT brandy — the quality of grape spirits, aging in Caucasian oak, and blending craftsmanship — while offering a modern interpretation with a fruity accent.
Versatility: ARARAT Apricot is equally enjoyable neat, over ice, or in cocktails, making it a universal choice for different occasions and preferences.
Year-round relevance: The masters of the Yerevan Brandy Company managed to capture the true taste of summer in ARARAT Apricot, which can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
Accessible strength: The 30% ABV makes the drink softer and more approachable compared to classic brandies of 40% and higher while still preserving the character and depth of aged brandy.
Storage and Serving
Storage conditions: Store ARARAT Apricot upright in a cool dark place at a temperature of 5–20°C. Avoid direct sunlight and sudden temperature changes.
Shelf life: When stored properly, the drink retains its qualities indefinitely. After opening the bottle, it is recommended to consume the contents within 6–12 months to maintain the optimal flavor profile.
Recommended serving temperature:
- Neat: 18–20°C (room temperature)
- Chilled: 10–12°C
- With ice: add 2–3 large ice cubes
- In cocktails: according to the recipe
Glassware for serving:
- Snifters or glasses — for serving neat
- Highball glasses — for mixes with juices and carbonated drinks
- Old fashioned glasses — for serving with ice
- Flutes or wine glasses — for cocktails with sparkling wines
ARARAT Apricot is a vivid example of how a traditional brandy brand with nearly 140 years of history can successfully adapt to modern tastes and preferences. The drink combines the best of two worlds: the nobility and depth of aged brandy with the lightness and freshness of a fruit-based beverage.
The versatility of ARARAT Apricot makes it an ideal choice both for experienced brandy connoisseurs and for those who are just beginning to explore noble spirits. Whether it is an elegant tasting neat, a refreshing cocktail at a summer party, or a gastronomic pairing with refined desserts, ARARAT Apricot always creates unforgettable moments of enjoyment.