At the Yalta conference at the end of the Second World War, Winston Churchill was so impressed with an Armenian brandy given to him by Stalin, that he asked for 400 bottles of it to be sent to him each year. Churchill was not the only one to enthuse about this jewel of the Caucasus. Agatha Christie and Frank Sinatra were also fans. It impressed the French so much during a blind tasting, they bestowed it with the Gran-prix award at the International Exhibition in Paris in 1900, and even permitted the company to call the product “Cognac” instead of brandy - a designation that's otherwise jealously guarded. The accolade was all the more significant when one considers that Brandy production in Armenia covers a fraction of Cognac's history. It began in 1887, when the Yerevan Brandy Company (YBC) was founded by a merchant, Nerses Tairyan, with the help of his cousin Vasily Tayrov. They began distilling using classical French equipment at a winery they'd founded earlier inside the former fortress of Yerevan. In 1899, a Russian company, “N.L. Shustov and Sons”, a well-known vodka and liqueur producer purchased YBC.Their brandy soon became the preferred beverage at the Russian Imperial Court. Since then, just like the legendary Mount Ararat, the local specialty has become a symbol of national pride. Indeed, in a country with few natural resources and less than three million people with a per capita incomes around $600 a year, any success seems magnified. After the Soviet system was established in Armenia, the YBC was nationalised and entered a new stage of development. Production expanded considerably. More recently, in 1999, the company became a part of the French drinks conglomerate, Pernod Ricard. It was a move that wasn't at first welcomed by the locals, but when they realised Pernod were in for the long haul, attitudes soon became more accepting. Foreign investment has been scarce in the country. Pernod Ricard's rare success has been cause to celebrate. Armenian brandy remains a product made from Armenian varietals following a regulated production method. Only local grape varieties are used based on the unique microclimate of the Ararat Valley. These include special endemic varietals that are no longer planted outside of Armenia (survivors of the phylloxera epidemics). In all, there are about 13 such varieties, with the main ones being Voskehat, Garan Dmak and Kangun. Once harvested, the grapes are loaded in special horizontal screw presses where berries are pressed in a very gentle way to avoid causing damage to seeds. Different varieties do not get mixed. Double steam distillation preserves the flavour and aroma of the grapes, while the ageing of the brandies is done exclusively in oak barrels. In 2002 the factory rebuilt its own cooperage. The local Armenian oak species which is used has a rather tight grain and is virtually devoid of pores. The trees are at least 70 years old when they're harvested, and only the middle part of the tree is used. The oak imparts its natural flavours and aromas of dried fruits, spices, vanilla and chocolate. Filtered spring water from the Katnakhpiur source is used during blending. Just prior to bottling the brandy is chilled and then filtered twice. YBC possesses approximately 90% of the total reserve of genuine brandy in Armenia. Several YBC brands are inaccessible to the retail network and can only be obtained at factory's shop: "Erebuni" - 25 years, "Kilikia" - 30 years, "Sparapet" - 40 years and "Noah's Ark" - 70 years of ageing in wooden casks. We're pleased to announce the arrival of these world class brandies into Australia. The 20 Year Old is labelled after the legendary Nairi people who inhabited the Kingdom of Urartu that stretched along the shores of Lake Van. The “Country of Rivers”, a rival of the Assyrian Empire, consisted of 23 affluent regions. One of the most powerful ones was the “Land of Nairi”, the forerunner of today’s Armenia, renowned for its impregnable capital Tushpa. To ensure adequate supplies of fresh water the city had a 70-kilometer long canal, which allowed it to withstand many long sieges. Tasting note: Copper colour with pale gold hue. The nose is quite elegant and at first reminiscent of a good Cognac, yielding aromas of dried fruits, spice and vanillan oak. Very warming palate entry, with a full, ripe body. Gently prickling spirit, with spicy plum pudding / raisin flavours, taking an unexpected turn from the nose. Excellent balance. Persistent aftertaste of dried fruits and vanilla oak. This could easily be mistaken for XO Australian brandy. Different, certainly, but a spirit that would make for an exotic alternative to XO Cognac. 41.5% Alc./Vol.

Product Description: The Hennessy V.S.O.P Cognac 2024 LeBron James Limited Edition celebrates the meeting of two legendary forces: Hennessy, a brand with over 200 years of history, and LeBron James, one of the most accomplished NBA athletes of all time. This unique collaboration combines the expertise of Hennessy’s master blenders with the spirit of one of basketball’s most iconic players. The 2024 limited edition is a tribute to the excellence and dedication that both Hennessy and LeBron represent. Crafted from a blend of the finest eaux-de-vie, this V.S.O.P expression has been matured in oak barrels, achieving a harmonious balance of power and finesse. The result is a rich and complex cognac that embodies the legacy of Hennessy’s original V.S.O.P blend, created more than 200 years ago for the English Prince Regent. With a refined profile that offers subtle spice, smooth vanilla, and hints of honey and oak, this limited-edition release is a celebration of quality, craftsmanship, and greatness. The bold design featuring a purple and orange logo, along with LeBron’s iconic sleeve tattoo and crown, adds a unique visual touch, making this bottle a collector’s item. Whether sipped neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, the Hennessy V.S.O.P Cognac 2024 LeBron James Limited Edition is the perfect way to celebrate excellence, heritage, and tradition, just as LeBron continues to do on and off the court. Packaging - Limited Edition design featuring LeBron James’ signature sleeve tattoo and crown Maker: Maison Hennessy is one of the world’s leading producers of cognac, with a legacy that dates back to 1765. Known for its commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and tradition, Hennessy remains at the forefront of the cognac industry. Over the centuries, Hennessy has continued to evolve, pushing boundaries while staying true to the art of cognac-making. Hennessy’s expertise in blending eaux-de-vie from different ages and terroirs has made it synonymous with quality and sophistication. The V.S.O.P (Very Superior Old Pale) blend, originally crafted in 1817 for the English Prince Regent, was the foundation for what would become one of Hennessy’s most iconic expressions. The brand's ability to combine the old and new, blending tradition with innovation, is reflected in its collaborations and limited-edition releases. The partnership with LeBron James is the perfect example of how Hennessy continues to celebrate cultural excellence while honoring its centuries-old heritage. Philosophy: Hennessy’s philosophy is deeply rooted in respect for tradition while embracing the innovative spirit that drives progress. The brand believes in producing cognacs that reflect the essence of Cognac, its terroir, and its long-standing connection to French culture. By working with the finest vineyards and following a rigorous production process, Hennessy creates expressions that are rich in complexity and smoothness, offering a perfect balance of power and elegance. As part of the Hennessy V.S.O.P x LeBron James collaboration, Hennessy sought to celebrate both LeBron's excellence on the court and his influence off it. The LeBron James signature cocktail, The Henny-Rita, offers a fresh, modern take on a classic cocktail, embodying the legacy of both LeBron and Hennessy through a refreshing and sophisticated mix of flavours. Method: This cocktail is a celebration of the rich legacy shared by Hennessy and LeBron, offering a refreshing twist on tradition with every sip. Tasting Notes: NOSE Spices, Oak, Soft Vanilla The nose reveals a blend of warm spices, with subtle hints of oak and soft vanilla. There’s a depth and complexity that invites further exploration, with underlying notes of citrus and honey adding richness to the profile. PALATE Smooth, Balanced, Fruity On the palate, the cognac is smooth and balanced, with flavours of ripe fruits, light spice, and a touch of honey. The oak presence adds a layer of complexity, while the subtle fruitiness ensures a harmonious drinking experience. FINISH Long, Elegant, Light Spice The finish is long and elegant, with lingering light spice and the warmth of oak. A clean, crisp aftertaste makes for a satisfying conclusion, showcasing the fine balance between tradition and innovation. The Finer Details: Style - Cognac Varietal - Ugni Blanc Grapes Region - Cognac, France Aging - Aged in French oak barrels ABV - 40% Bottle Size - 700ml

"Multi-award-winning across the globe, St-Rémy XO is a rich and complex brandy. Its French aromatic intensity remains true to the style of the House. A rich palate of flavours. Subtle notes of wood and vanilla are enriched with flavours of gingerbread, candied apricots, dates, figs and nuts. This complex taste is subtly spicy and offers a long finish."

Longer aging in smaller barrels means that St Remy is one of the smoothest Brandies on the market. Lovely toasty characters add to the smooth finish. The perfect edition to any Christmas pudding

Rémy Martin is a family story of close to 300 years. Rýmy Martin VSOP is composed of eaux-de-vie coming exclusively from the most sought-after vineyards of Cognac: Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. Such eaux-de-vie offer exceptional ageing potential, and are blended into what is known as Fine Champagne Cognac.

GAUTIER XO is a powerful blend of old eaux-de-vie, some of which come from or "Paradise Cellar" where the oldest and most precious Cognac eaux-de-vie are kept. A golden amber colour. A rich and harmonious blend of old eaux-de-vie, combining intense aromas of candied fruits, cinnamon and toasted bread, with subtle floral notes. Generous and smooth in the mouth, it offers a beautiful length on the palate.

Established in 1828, Chatelle Napoleon is a traditional French brandy with a powerful history spanning over three centuries. Selected and blended with the greatest care, the brandy is aged in small oak barrels under the supervision of a master blender. Smoothness is balanced by a strong aromatic persistence giving way to a long finish.

In 1865, inspired by a decorative handle of his offi ce window, Maurice Hennessy created the now-famous star symbol that he would use to classify his Cognacs. Thus was born the 3- Star Cognac, better known today as Hennessy VS which is a complex blend of more than forty eaux-de-vie (brandy parcels) from the four premier growing areas of the Cognac region.

Martell VS is a smooth and well balanced Cognac that is often in short global supply. It is best enjoyed straight or over ice for a different twist.