Sarajishvili VSOP Brandy 750ML 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 & Spirit Competition, underscoring the quality of this Caucasus-region expression built on centuries of winemaking tradition. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Georgia | VSOP (oldest component: 12 years) | Distillery: JSC Sarajishvili Production & Heritage JSC 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. Tasting Notes Aroma: 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. Taste: 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. Finish: 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. How to Drink Sarajishvili VSOP Neat 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 Sidecar, where the caramel and citrus notes complement Cointreau and fresh lemon; a Brandy Alexander, where the almond and hazelnut character reinforces the cream element; and a Stinger, where the spice-driven finish plays off crème de menthe for a clean, aromatic close. Best For Introducing someone to Georgian brandy for the first time After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or dark chocolate Gifting a spirits enthusiast interested in lesser-known brandy regions Building a brandy-forward cocktail collection beyond the Cognac shelf Frequently Asked Questions What does Sarajishvili VSOP taste like? 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. How does Sarajishvili VSOP compare to Ararat VSOP? 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. Is Sarajishvili VSOP good for sipping neat? 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. Where is Sarajishvili VSOP made? 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. What foods pair well with Sarajishvili VSOP? 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. What sizes does Sarajishvili VSOP come in? The standard widely available size is the 750ml bottle. Is Sarajishvili VSOP worth the price? 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. Why Sarajishvili VSOP? What 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 & 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.
