Diamond Armenian brandy is a delightful, distilled wine made with quality Armenian grapes. It offers a pleasant taste, a unique aroma, Armenian quality, and a price tag that just about anyone can afford.
Diamond Armenian is a wonderful choice whether you are looking for a fine brandy for an upcoming celebration, cooking your next meal, or using it as a base for a decadent prepared cocktail made of delicious spirits.
If you are wondering what Diamond Armenian brandy is and a few different ways you can use it in a delicious cocktail mix, keep reading. This article will provide you with a bit of Armenian history and many interesting facts.
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What Is Brandy?
Brandy is a distilled liquor made with fermented fruit, typically grapes, but it can also come from apples, apricots, and cherries.
The name “brandy” is a term derived from the Dutch word “Brandewijn” or burnt wine (referring to the application of heat during the dissertation process). Once the fruit ferments, it goes through a distillation process – sometimes multiple times – and is placed in wooden oak barrels to age.
Once the aging process is complete, the liquid is added to other brandies and water to create unique and tasty flavors with rich aromas ready to be placed in bottles.
When Did it All Start?
Brandy was first discovered back in the 16th century, completely unintentionally. While trying to figure out an easier way to transport delicate flavors of wine from one country to another, the distillation process was invented to preserve the spirit for a more prolonged bout of time.
To make traveling with wine easier and to keep it from spoiling before reaching its destination, the water was removed from the liquid. It was discovered that this offered the wine a whole new flavor and was happily accepted by many.
Now, almost every country that produces wine also produces a variety of brandy.
History of Diamond Armenian Brandy
In 1887, merchant Nerses Tairyan opened the doors to the first brandy and wine factory in Yerevan, Armenia’s capital. This product is described as the cousin to the French version.
Since then, many Armenian brandy businesses have popped up, all offering a great spirit created with many of the same great products and manufactured in the same way.
Diamond Armenian brandy offers the public multiple products that come in an array of flavors that will pique the interest of a variety of wine enthusiasts.
To reach high-quality Diamond status, some Armenian brandy goes through a distillation process before being placed into oak barrels, where it sits and ages for 18 years. It is this long aging process that gets credit for the delightful flavors and aromas associated with this spirit.
All Armenian brandy is crafted from high-quality, fresh, ripe Armenian grapes, with only the finest ingredients and equipment.
Diamond Armenian Brandy Bottle
When you look up images of Diamond Armenian brandy, you might notice an array of different-shaped bottles. While the typical bottle is clear, providing a window to the amber-colored spirit, there are many specially shaped bottles out there as well.
The Diamond company produced bottles in the shape of a horse ($30), a bull ($45.99), a snake ($24.95), a viking ship, and so many more.
How Does Diamond Armenian Brandy Taste, Smell, Look?
Diamond VSOP Armenian brandy has a flavor similar to French Cognac. This spirit provides a smooth, rich, and creamy texture, with notes of fig, raisin, and apricots. You can also taste the slight undertones of pear, toasted oak, and cinnamon.
Thanks to the barrels in which they are aged, this brandy has the delectable aroma of dried herbs, with a slight scent of chocolate and fruit.
When you peer inside the clear bottle, you will notice that this particular spirit showcases a dark amber appearance that indicates the strength in flavor it provides.
Diamond XO Armenian brandy is aged about 18 years and offers a floral flavor with hints of nuts and fruity undertones.
If you are drinking Diamond 5-Star Armenian brandy, you will most likely notice the mildly hot black pepper and tobacco flavors that give off a strong brandy vibe.
How Much Alcohol Is in Diamond Armenian Brandy?
The alcohol content differs depending on the option you choose, with most bottles containing between 35% and 60%. This is a typical amount of alcohol for any type of Brandy.
Ways to Drink Diamond Armenian Brandy
While you can drink Armenian brandy alone or on ice, most people enjoy creating a unique mixture of ingredients that can add extra flavor and a delicious dessert.
Brandy Daisy
Brandy Daisy isn’t a one-alcohol beverage, but a mixture of many products. This classic drink will help you relax after a rough day at work or is a great way to enjoy a night out with friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of Diamond Armenian brandy
- 2 dashes of rum
- Ice
- 2 dashes of orange curaçao liqueur
- ¾ ounces of fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 3 dashes of simple syrup
- 1 ounce of soda water
Instructions:
- Mix all of the ingredients listed above into a cocktail shaker except for the soda water
- Shake the mix for about 30 seconds
- Pour into a glass filled with ice
- Finish up by adding the soda water
Classic Metropolitan Brandy Cocktail
The Metropolitan is a popular drink that can be ordered at any bar or restaurant around the world. However, you can save time and money by making this delicious recipe right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of Diamond Armenian brandy
- 2 dashes of aromatic bitters
- Ice
- 1 ounce of sweet vermouth
- ½ teaspoon of simple syrup
Instructions:
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker
- Pour the mixture over a large glass of ice
- Enjoy
The Sidecar
The Sidecar is a classic that has been around for many decades. While this mix has gone through multiple re-inventions, the basis still remains the same today, making it one of the best sour cocktails around.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Diamond Armenian brandy
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce premium triple sec
- Lemon or orange twist
Instructions:
- Combine all of the ingredients into a cocktail mixer
- Shake the mixture for at least 30-45 seconds
- Pour the drink into a chilled glass
For these great recipes and more, check out 24 Essential Classic Brandy Cocktails You Should Know.
And if a peach brandy is more your style, we’ve got you covered.
Where to Buy Diamond Armenian Brandy
The best way to get a bottle of Diamond Armenian brandy is by checking with your local wine and liquor stores. While you can order this product online, there are many limitations as to which location they can legally be shipped to.
If you need any assistance finding a retailer that carries this specific brandy, you can always use the liquor tracker found here.
Summing Things Up
Diamond Armenian brandy offers the consumer a delightful bold flavor of brandy no matter which product you purchase. You can enjoy these beverages alone or have a little fun experimenting with other alcohols and ingredients to come up with a fabulous concoction of your own.
