{"title":"Sarajishvili","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"sarajishvili-vsop-brandy-750ml","title":"Sarajishvili VSOP Brandy 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSarajishvili VSOP Brandy 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 40% ABV Georgian brandy blended from aged grape spirits, with the oldest component reaching 12 years. It earned a Silver (Best in Class) medal at the 2009 International Wine \u0026amp; Spirit Competition, underscoring the quality of this Caucasus-region expression built on centuries of winemaking tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Georgia  |  VSOP (oldest component: 12 years)  |  Distillery: JSC Sarajishvili\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJSC Sarajishvili traces its origins to David Sarajishvili, a Georgian scientist and philanthropist who became the first person in the Russian Empire to produce brandy using the French method, establishing the house in 1884. The VSOP expression is distilled from three indigenous Georgian grape varieties — Tsolikauri, Goruli Mtsvane, and Chinuri — then aged in smaller oak barrels that accelerate the interaction between spirit and wood. This approach yields a brandy with concentrated oak influence and complexity beyond what its VSOP designation might suggest, particularly given that the blend incorporates components up to 12 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with baked apple and toasted coconut before moving into layers of vanilla, toffee, and polished wood. A subtle undercurrent of almond ties the aromatics together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is soft, revealing ripe apricot and caramel at the front. Mid-palate, the brandy gains body with rich hazelnut and almond notes, while zesty grilled citrus and wet cedar emerge alongside a building peppery spice. The mouthfeel is round and medium-to-full, with a pleasant dryish quality that prevents the sweetness from becoming heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smooth and lingering, with warm oak tones tapering gradually into gentle almond and dried fruit echoes. A faint peppery warmth persists at the very end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Sarajishvili VSOP\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeat in a tulip glass at room temperature is the most rewarding approach, allowing the apricot and oak aromatics to develop fully; a single ice cube opens the brandy further without diluting its mid-palate richness. This VSOP also performs well in cocktails: a \u003cstrong\u003eSidecar\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the caramel and citrus notes complement Cointreau and fresh lemon; a \u003cstrong\u003eBrandy Alexander\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the almond and hazelnut character reinforces the cream element; and a \u003cstrong\u003eStinger\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the spice-driven finish plays off crème de menthe for a clean, aromatic close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to Georgian brandy for the first time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside dessert or dark chocolate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a spirits enthusiast interested in lesser-known brandy regions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a brandy-forward cocktail collection beyond the Cognac shelf\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Sarajishvili VSOP taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Sarajishvili VSOP delivers a rich, medium-to-full-bodied profile centered on ripe apricot, caramel, and toasted oak, with supporting hazelnut, almond, and a peppery spice finish. The overall character is warm and rounded with a dryish edge that keeps it balanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Sarajishvili VSOP compare to Ararat VSOP?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Caucasus-region brandies at 40% ABV and the VSOP tier, but Sarajishvili is Georgian and distilled from Tsolikauri, Goruli Mtsvane, and Chinuri grapes, while Ararat is Armenian and relies on local Armenian grape varieties. Sarajishvili tends toward a nuttier, oak-forward profile, whereas Ararat VSOP is often described as lighter and more fruit-forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Sarajishvili VSOP good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the smooth mouthfeel, layered oak character, and lingering finish make it well-suited to neat sipping, particularly in a tulip-shaped glass that concentrates the aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Sarajishvili VSOP made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Sarajishvili VSOP is produced by JSC Sarajishvili in Georgia, a house founded in 1884 by David Sarajishvili, who pioneered French-method brandy production in the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Sarajishvili VSOP?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles complement the caramel and almond notes; aged hard cheeses like Gouda echo the toasted oak; grilled stone fruit mirrors the apricot character; walnut baklava reinforces the nutty mid-palate; and dried figs bring out the brandy's fruit-and-spice balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Sarajishvili VSOP come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard widely available size is the 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Sarajishvili VSOP worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Sarajishvili VSOP positions as a mid-range brandy that over-delivers on complexity thanks to its 12-year-old blending components and small-barrel aging, making it a strong value within the VSOP tier relative to comparably priced French and Armenian alternatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Sarajishvili VSOP?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat sets this brandy apart starts with provenance: Sarajishvili is the oldest brandy house in Georgia, founded by the person who literally introduced French-method distillation to the Russian Empire. The VSOP blend incorporates spirits up to 12 years old — significantly older than the minimum required for the VSOP designation — aged in smaller oak barrels that concentrate flavor. Its Silver Best in Class medal at the 2009 International Wine \u0026amp; Spirit Competition confirms that the quality extends beyond heritage. For drinkers looking beyond Cognac and Armagnac, Sarajishvili VSOP represents one of the most compelling entry points into Georgian brandy, with a depth of flavor that rewards repeated exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sarajishvili","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836648616105,"sku":"28790","price":42.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/SarajishviliVSOPBrandy750ML_f76ff526-63ca-431f-8062-f14c31b6568c.webp?v=1756659471"},{"product_id":"sarajishvili-vs-brandy-750ml","title":"Sarajishvili VS Brandy 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight:bold; font-size:1em;\"\u003eSarajishvili VS Brandy 750ML\u003c\/span\u003e is a Georgian brandy blended from wine distillates of indigenous grape varietals and aged in French oak casks at 40% ABV. Founded in 1884 by nobleman and chemist David Sarajishvili, the house introduced French cognac production technology to Georgia for the first time. The VS expression draws from distillates sourced across multiple Georgian regions, including spirit made from Chinuri, Tsitska, Goruli Mtskvane, and Kakhuri Mtskvane grapes—varietals rarely encountered outside the Caucasus. Rated 91 points by Tastings.com, this brandy punches well above its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes:\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wildflowers and dried fruit lead into deeper layers of conditioned leather and salty nuts. A subtle olive brininess rounds out the bouquet alongside traces of raisins steeped in balsamic.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is smooth and velvety, giving way to a medium-to-full body that feels supple and bright on the mid-palate. Savory umami tones—brown butter, salted nuts—merge with a dryish texture that keeps the sweetness firmly in check. The overall impression is complex without being heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with a tingling warmth that carries oak, brown spices, cola, and mocha undertones. Mossy earth and a faint balsamic sweetness linger as the final impressions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Sarajishvili VS Brandy:\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSip it neat at room temperature or with a single ice cube to let those wildflower and leather aromatics open up gradually. In a classic Sidecar, the dried-fruit depth and dryish profile stand up to Cointreau and fresh lemon without getting lost. A Brandy Sour benefits from the savory umami backbone, which adds dimension beyond what a typical VS spirit delivers. For a low-effort serve, build a Brandy and Ginger—the brown-spice finish meshes naturally with quality ginger ale.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For:\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring Georgian brandy-making traditions dating back to 1884\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping with friends who appreciate Old World spirits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElevating brandy-forward cocktails with an uncommon flavor profile\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to adventurous spirit enthusiasts looking beyond French cognac\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions:\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Sarajishvili VS Brandy taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers a velvety, medium-to-full body with savory notes of salty nuts, brown butter, and dried fruit, finishing on brown spice, cola, and earthy moss. The profile leans drier and more savory than many fruit-forward VS brandies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Sarajishvili VS compare to Hennessy VS?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hennessy VS relies on Ugni Blanc grapes from the Cognac appellation and tends toward a sweeter, more vanilla-driven profile, while Sarajishvili VS uses indigenous Georgian varietals like Chinuri and Tsitska that produce distinctly savory, umami-rich character. Both are aged in French oak, but the grape varietals create noticeably different flavor foundations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Sarajishvili VS Brandy good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its smooth, velvety entry and moderate 40% ABV make it approachable, while the layered complexity rewards anyone ready to pay closer attention to what is in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Sarajishvili VS Brandy made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by JSC Sarajishvili in the Republic of Georgia, using wine distillates from various Georgian grape-growing regions. Distillation follows French Charente methods, and the spirit matures in French oak casks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Sarajishvili VS Brandy?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate with sea salt, aged hard cheeses like Manchego, roasted walnuts, dried apricots, and cured meats such as bresaola or Georgian basturma all complement its savory, dried-fruit character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Buy Sarajishvili?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDavid Sarajishvili was the first producer in the Russian Empire to apply French cognac-making techniques, establishing the house in Tbilisi in 1884—making it one of the oldest continuously operating brandy producers in the Caucasus. The brand has earned more than 250 international exhibition prizes, including 6 super grand prizes, 35 grand prizes, and over 155 gold medals at events in Paris, Brussels, and Chicago. The VS blend incorporates distillates with the oldest component exceeding 10 years of age, unusual generosity for a VS designation. Few spirits at this level offer both historical pedigree and genuinely distinctive flavor sourced from grape varietals most drinkers have never encountered.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sarajishvili","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837650825385,"sku":"29122","price":26.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/SarajishviliVSBrandy750ML_818bd7fd-1d4d-4870-9a67-0a6802eba939.webp?v=1752020133"},{"product_id":"sarajishvili-5-star-brandy750ml","title":"Sarajishvili 5 Star Brandy750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSarajishvili 5 Star Brandy 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Georgian grape brandy bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) and aged approximately five years in oak barrels. Produced from a blend of four indigenous Georgian grape varieties—Tsiska, Tsolikauri, Saperavi, and Mtsvane—this expression reflects a recipe attributed to David Sarajishvili, widely regarded as the father of Georgian brandy-making.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Kakheti, Georgia  |  Approx. 5 Years Oak-Aged  |  Distillery: JSC Sarajishvili (est. 1884)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eJSC Sarajishvili traces its origins to 1884, when David Sarajishvili established what would become Georgia's most recognized brandy house in Tbilisi. The 5 Star expression is distilled from grapes sourced across Georgian wine-making regions, then matured for approximately five years in oak barrels. The use of four distinct native varietals—two white (Tsiska and Tsolikauri) and two that include the red Saperavi alongside the white Mtsvane—creates a layered spirit that draws complexity from Georgia's diverse viticultural heritage rather than relying on a single grape profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with ripe fruit and raisin, building into prune and sweet dried-fruit depth. Subtle floral undertones emerge alongside faint oak as the spirit breathes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate enters with a touch of initial sweetness that quickly transitions into a drier, more structured mid-palate than many brandies in its class. Roasted almond mingles with fresh grape tones and dried fruit, while vanilla and gentle spice from oak aging provide an anchoring warmth. The overall impression is of a brandy with moderate richness and clear evidence of maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length, with lingering oak and almond character. A subtle fruit sweetness resurfaces at the tail end, balanced by a pleasant dryness that keeps the finish clean.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Sarajishvili 5 Star\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeat at room temperature is the traditional Georgian approach and allows the dried-fruit and almond notes to present fully. A single ice cube opens the spirit slightly for warmer weather drinking. Three cocktails worth exploring: a \u003cstrong\u003eBrandy Sidecar\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the raisin and dried-fruit character adds depth against Cointreau and lemon; a \u003cstrong\u003eBrandy Alexander\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its roasted almond notes complement crème de cacao and cream; and a \u003cstrong\u003eStinger\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the spirit's moderate dryness balances well against crème de menthe.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring Georgian spirits for the first time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside dessert or coffee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting someone who appreciates brandy from outside the French tradition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a Caucasus spirits collection alongside Armenian or Georgian wines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Sarajishvili 5 Star taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It has an intense fruity character anchored by roasted almond and oak, with raisin and dried-fruit depth that is slightly drier than many comparably priced brandies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Sarajishvili 5 Star compare to Ararat brandy?\u003c\/strong\u003e Sarajishvili and Ararat are the two most prominent brandy houses in the Caucasus, with Sarajishvili representing the Georgian tradition and Ararat the Armenian. The 5 Star relies on a blend of four Georgian grape varieties and tends toward a drier style, while Ararat's expressions generally emphasize a broader sweetness profile typical of Armenian brandy production.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Sarajishvili 5 Star good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its approximately five years of oak aging provide enough structure and complexity for straight sipping, making it a solid introduction to aged Georgian brandy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Sarajishvili 5 Star made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by JSC Sarajishvili, Georgia's oldest brandy house, founded in 1884. Grapes are sourced from different wine-making regions of Georgia, with the Kakheti region playing a central role.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Sarajishvili 5 Star?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate complements its roasted almond notes; aged hard cheeses like Georgian Guda echo its oak-driven depth; walnuts and dried apricots mirror the spirit's dried-fruit profile; and grilled lamb pairs well with its moderate spice and structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Sarajishvili 5 Star come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Sarajishvili 5 Star worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Sarajishvili 5 Star positions as an accessible, entry-level aged brandy within the brand's portfolio. For a spirit with approximately five years of oak maturation and a four-grape blend, it represents a category that offers strong value relative to Western European brandies of similar age.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Sarajishvili 5 Star?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat distinguishes this brandy is its Georgian origin and its reliance on indigenous grape varieties rarely seen in the broader brandy market. The blend of Tsiska, Tsolikauri, Saperavi, and Mtsvane produces a flavor profile that stands apart from the Ugni Blanc–dominated French tradition and the Armenian style represented by Ararat. Backed by a distillery heritage dating to 1884, the 5 Star serves as the most approachable entry point into Sarajishvili's range. For drinkers looking beyond Cognac and Armagnac, it delivers a genuinely different expression of what grape brandy can be.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sarajishvili","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837704073385,"sku":"20693","price":22.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Sarajishvili5StarBrandy750ML_26c72f21-b827-4e06-8e5c-aef9d772eb48.webp?v=1752019910"},{"product_id":"sarajishvili-xo-brandy-750ml","title":"Sarajishvili XO Brandy 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSarajishvili XO Brandy 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 40% ABV Georgian wine brandy blending 15 aged spirits from one of the world's oldest brandy houses. Awarded a Gold Medal and 92 points (\"Exceptional\") by the Chicago Beverage Testing Institute, this XO expression draws from a reserve dating back to the distillery's founding in 1884.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Georgia, Caucasus  |  XO (Avg. 14–18 Years, Components Up to 30 Years)  |  Distillery: JSC Sarajishvili\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDavid Sarajishvili established his eponymous brandy house in Tbilisi, Georgia, in 1884, making it the first brandy producer in the Caucasus. The XO is assembled from 15 distinct wine brandy distillates, each aged independently in oak, with an average maturation of 14 to 18 years and select components reaching up to 30 years old. The base spirits are distilled from indigenous Georgian grape varietals—Chinuri, Tsitska, Goruli Mtsvane, and Kakhuri Mtsvane—giving the blend a character rooted firmly in Caucasian terroir rather than the French varietals typical of Cognac production.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep oak and vanilla arrive first, followed by waves of dark chocolate, toasted almond, and refined leather. A woody spice emerges underneath, lending complexity to an already layered bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is velvety and rounded, with cocoa and dried fruit dominating the early palate. Mid-palate, gentle spice and chestnut notes develop, transitioning into a honeyed warmth with a peppery edge. The body is medium-weight, crisp, and dry yet never austere—fruit sweetness and oak tannin stay in careful balance throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and harmonious, with lingering impressions of oak spice, dark chocolate, and soft leather. The warmth fades gradually, leaving a clean, dry conclusion that invites another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Sarajishvili XO\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis brandy is best appreciated neat in a tulip-shaped snifter at room temperature, where its layered aromatics and long finish can fully develop. A few drops of water may open up the chocolate and dried fruit notes for those who prefer a gentler proof. For cocktails, the XO's spice-and-oak backbone works well in a \u003cstrong\u003eSidecar\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its dry character balances the triple sec and citrus; a \u003cstrong\u003eVieux Carré\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the chocolate and leather tones complement sweet vermouth and rye; or a \u003cstrong\u003eBrandy Alexander\u003c\/strong\u003e, where cocoa and vanilla notes amplify the crème de cacao rather than disappear behind it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or roasted nuts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a spirits enthusiast curious about brandy beyond Cognac\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing guests to the Georgian brandy tradition at a tasting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding cocktails that call for a dry, oak-forward aged brandy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Sarajishvili XO taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Sarajishvili XO delivers a velvety palate of cocoa, dried fruit, and gentle pepper over a medium-bodied, dry-yet-fruity frame. Oak spice and dark chocolate carry through a long, harmonious finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Sarajishvili XO compare to Ararat 10 Year Armenian brandy?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Caucasian wine brandies, but Sarajishvili XO uses Georgian grape varietals (Chinuri, Tsitska, Goruli Mtsvane, Kakhuri Mtsvane) and blends 15 spirits with components up to 30 years old, resulting in a drier, more oak-driven profile. Ararat 10 Year tends toward a rounder, sweeter fruit character at a younger average age.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Sarajishvili XO good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its average 14-to-18-year maturity and 40% ABV make it smooth and complex enough to drink without any mixer or dilution. The layered aromatics reward slow, attentive sipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Sarajishvili XO made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Sarajishvili XO is produced by JSC Sarajishvili in Tbilisi, Georgia, in the Caucasus region. The distillery was founded in 1884 by David Sarajishvili and remains one of the oldest brandy producers in the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Sarajishvili XO?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles mirror the brandy's cocoa undertones. Aged hard cheeses like Gruyère complement its oak and nutty notes. Roasted almonds echo the almond nuance in the mid-palate. Dried figs and apricots bridge the dried-fruit character, while a charcuterie board with cured meats highlights the leather and pepper spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Sarajishvili XO come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Sarajishvili XO worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Sarajishvili XO positions as a premium brandy, and its blend of 15 spirits with components up to 30 years old, combined with a 92-point Gold Medal from the Chicago Beverage Testing Institute, places it among the stronger values in aged XO-level brandy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Sarajishvili XO?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this brandy from the broader XO category is its raw material: four indigenous Georgian grape varietals that simply do not appear in French or Spanish brandy production. The 15-spirit blend, drawn from reserves that trace back to the distillery's 1884 founding, produces a complexity difficult to replicate through a simpler assemblage. A Gold Medal and 92 points from the Chicago Beverage Testing Institute, along with silver medals from both the International Wine \u0026amp; Spirit Competition and TEXSOM International Wine Awards, confirm that the quality registers with professional panels, not just regional loyalty. For drinkers ready to explore aged brandy outside the Cognac appellation, Sarajishvili XO makes a credible and distinctive case for Georgia's place in the conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sarajishvili","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46257887477929,"sku":"41309","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/SarajishviliXOBrandy750ML.webp?v=1756506227"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/sarajishvili.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}