Tbilisi 20 Year 750ML is a 20-year-old Georgian brandy bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml format. Originally created in 1958 to commemorate the 1500th anniversary of the founding of Tbilisi, Georgia's capital city, this expression carries genuine historical significance alongside its extended aging. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Kvareli & Gurjani micro-zones, Georgia | Age: 20 Years | Producer: Sarajishvili Production & Heritage Tbilisi 20 Year is produced by Sarajishvili, one of Georgia's most storied brandy houses, whose products have collectively earned more than 250 international prizes including six super grand prizes and 35 grand prizes at international exhibitions. The brandy is double distilled from a blend of traditional Georgian grape varieties — Chinuri, Tsitska, Goruli Mtsvane, and Kakhuri Mtsvane — sourced from the Kvareli and Gurjani micro-zones. These indigenous varietals, rarely seen in Western European brandy production, contribute a distinctive flavor profile shaped by Georgia's unique terroir and centuries-old winemaking traditions. The spirit's two-decade maturation period sets it apart from younger expressions in the Georgian brandy category. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with mature dried stone fruit and toasted oak. Deeper exploration reveals layers of walnut, dried apricot, and subtle resinous undertones from extended cask aging. Taste: The palate enters soft and rounded, with dried fig and raisin sweetness giving way to baking spice and dark honey at mid-palate. Oak tannins provide structure without astringency, reflecting the long aging period. Hints of dark chocolate and warm vanilla emerge as the brandy develops across the tongue. Finish: The finish is long and warming, with lingering oak, gentle spice, and a trace of dried fruit sweetness. A subtle tannic dryness anchors the close, leaving a clean and contemplative aftertaste. How to Drink Tbilisi 20 Year A brandy of this age is best appreciated neat at room temperature in a tulip-shaped glass, allowing the complex aromatics to concentrate and evolve. A few drops of water can further open the spirit for those who prefer a softer entry. For cocktail use, the Sidecar benefits from the brandy's depth and dried fruit character against fresh citrus. A Brandy Alexander gains richness from the aged oak and chocolate tones. A Vieux Carré becomes more layered when this 20-year expression replaces standard brandy, adding maturity and weight to the classic New Orleans cocktail. Best For Gifting a brandy enthusiast seeking something outside the French tradition After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cigar Exploring the Georgian brandy category at a serious age statement Commemorating a milestone anniversary or celebration Frequently Asked Questions What does Tbilisi 20 Year taste like? Tbilisi 20 Year delivers a mature profile of dried stone fruit, dark honey, baking spice, and toasted oak, with a long warming finish shaped by two decades of aging. How does Tbilisi 20 Year compare to Sarajishvili XO? Sarajishvili XO blends spirits averaging 14–18 years old with some components up to 30 years, while Tbilisi 20 Year carries a straight 20-year age statement; both are Georgian brandies from indigenous grapes, but the Tbilisi expression is specifically a commemorative bottling dating to 1958. Is Tbilisi 20 Year good for sipping neat? Yes — the 20-year aging softens the spirit considerably, making it well suited for neat sipping at 40% ABV without harshness. Where is Tbilisi 20 Year made? Tbilisi 20 Year is produced in Georgia using grapes from the Kvareli and Gurjani micro-zones, which are prominent viticultural areas in the eastern Georgian region of Kakheti. What foods pair well with Tbilisi 20 Year? Dark chocolate truffles complement the oak and dried fruit notes well. Aged hard cheeses like Georgian Guda or Parmigiano-Reggiano match the brandy's intensity. Roasted walnuts echo the nutty aromas in the spirit. Dried apricots and figs mirror the fruit character. Baklava or similar honey-laced pastries create a natural bridge with the brandy's sweetness. What sizes does Tbilisi 20 Year come in? Tbilisi 20 Year is available in the standard 750ml bottle format. Is Tbilisi 20 Year worth the price? Tbilisi 20 Year positions as a premium aged brandy; a genuine 20-year age statement from indigenous Georgian grape varieties represents notable value relative to comparably aged French cognacs, making it a compelling option for serious brandy drinkers seeking depth and heritage. Why Tbilisi 20 Year? Few brandies carry the kind of origin story that Tbilisi 20 Year does — a spirit created specifically to honor the 1500th anniversary of one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. The use of Chinuri, Tsitska, Goruli Mtsvane, and Kakhuri Mtsvane grapes places it firmly outside the Western European brandy mainstream, offering a genuine alternative to cognac and armagnac with a distinctly Georgian character. Sarajishvili's track record of over 250 international exhibition awards speaks to consistent production quality across the range. For drinkers willing to look beyond France for serious aged brandy, this 20-year expression delivers maturity, heritage, and a grape-driven complexity that rewards careful attention.
