Arazat 3 Star 750ML is a three-year-aged Armenian brandy bottled at 40% ABV by the Yerevan Brandy Company. Produced from native white grapes and spring water drawn from the Katnakhbyur source, this entry-level expression in the Ararat range showcases what young Armenian brandy can deliver — a lively, fruit-forward spirit at an accessible price point. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Armenia | 3-Year Age Statement | Distillery: Yerevan Brandy Company Production & Heritage The Yerevan Brandy Company was established in 1887 by Nerses Tairyan, making it one of the oldest brandy producers in the Caucasus region; it has been owned by Pernod Ricard since 1998. The spirit is produced through double steam distillation of local Armenian white grapes, then aged for a minimum of three years in barrels made from Caucasian oak — a dense, tight-grained wood that imparts subtle tannin and warm spice. The 3 Star sits at the youngest tier of the range, positioned below the 5 Star, Akhtamar, and Nairi expressions, each of which carries progressively longer maturation. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with a lively, spicy quality reminiscent of flowering fruit trees. Beneath that initial brightness, pleasant hazelnut and delicate floral notes emerge as the spirit sits in the glass. Taste: On entry, the palate is fresh and decidedly young, with immediate fruit and floral overtones. At mid-palate, hazelnut character develops alongside a faintly metallic mineral edge that gives the brandy a distinctive backbone. The overall impression is light and spirited rather than deeply complex. Finish: The finish is moderate in length, slightly sweetish with a gentle astringency from the Caucasian oak. A trace of spice and dried fruit lingers as the warmth fades. How to Drink Arazat 3 Star At three years old, this brandy is versatile enough for both neat sipping at room temperature and mixing. A splash of cool water can help open the hazelnut aromatics without dulling the spice. Sidecar — The fruit-forward profile and moderate sweetness balance well against Cointreau and fresh lemon juice in this classic template. Brandy Alexander — The hazelnut and floral notes complement crème de cacao and cream, adding nuance without overpowering the dessert-cocktail format. Stinger — Its lively spice pairs naturally with white crème de menthe for a crisp, refreshing after-dinner drink. Best For Exploring Armenian brandy for the first time without a steep investment Building a home bar with a versatile, cocktail-friendly brandy After-dinner sipping alongside coffee or dried fruits Gifting someone with an interest in Eastern European and Caucasus spirits Frequently Asked Questions What does Arazat 3 Star taste like? Arazat 3 Star delivers a fresh, youthful brandy character defined by hazelnut, flowering fruit-tree aromatics, and a gently astringent finish from Caucasian oak aging. How does Arazat 3 Star compare to Hennessy VS? Both are young, entry-level brandies bottled at 40% ABV, but Hennessy VS is a French Cognac distilled from Ugni Blanc grapes and aged in Limousin and Tronçais oak, giving it a richer vanilla-driven profile. Arazat 3 Star, distilled from Armenian white grapes and matured in Caucasian oak, leans spicier and more floral, often at a notably lower price. Is Arazat 3 Star good for cocktails? Yes — its fresh, fruit-forward character and moderate oak influence make it well-suited to classic brandy cocktails like the Sidecar, Brandy Alexander, and Stinger without getting lost in the mix. Where is Arazat 3 Star made? Arazat 3 Star is produced at the Yerevan Brandy Company in Yerevan, Armenia, using locally grown white grapes and fresh water from the Katnakhbyur spring. What foods pair well with Arazat 3 Star? Roasted hazelnuts mirror its nutty aromatics; aged cheeses like Gouda complement the oak tannins; dark chocolate highlights the underlying sweetness; dried apricots echo the fruit-blossom nose; and baklava or other honey-laced pastries amplify its gentle spice. What sizes does Arazat 3 Star come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format. Is Arazat 3 Star worth the price? Arazat 3 Star positions as an entry-level Armenian brandy, typically sitting below many comparable French Cognacs in price while offering a distinctive regional character that rewards both neat sipping and mixing. Why Arazat 3 Star? Armenian brandy has a heritage stretching back to the late nineteenth century, and the Yerevan Brandy Company — founded in 1887 — sits at the center of that tradition. The 3 Star expression distills that legacy into its most approachable form: three years of Caucasian oak maturation deliver enough structure and spice to stand on their own, while the fresh grape distillate retains a lively, floral energy rarely found in similarly priced Western European brandies. For drinkers curious about the Caucasus brandy tradition, or anyone looking for a capable mixing spirit with genuine regional identity, the 3 Star serves as a logical and affordable starting point.
