Athens: Armenian Brandy Tasting with Chocolate

Imagine savoring three exquisite Armenian brandies while enjoying carefully paired chocolates, all within the vibrant city of Athens. This 45-minute tasting promises a delightful journey into Armenia’s renowned spirit culture, with expert guidance from CRU Tasting Room. Whether you’re a wine lover, a curious traveler, or simply someone who enjoys a good story behind their drink, this experience offers much more than just tasting.

What we love about this tour is its authentic focus on Armenian brandies made from indigenous grapes, the thoughtful pairings with chocolates that elevate the flavors, and the intimate setting that allows for genuine appreciation. A possible consideration is that it’s a relatively short experience, so if you’re after a deeper dive into spirits or a large-group atmosphere, you might find this a bit limited. That said, it’s perfect for those seeking a refined, relaxing taste adventure—ideal for after dinner or a quiet evening in Athens.

This experience is best suited for adults over 21 who appreciate fine spirits, enjoy learning about different wine and spirit traditions, or are looking for a unique, cultured activity during their Athens stay. If you love pairing drinks with chocolates or want a taste of Armenia’s distilling mastery, this is a fine choice.

Good To Know

• Authentic Armenian brandies made from indigenous grapes like Voskehat and Miskhali.
• Expertly paired chocolates that enhance the spirit’s flavors.
• A short, intimate 45-minute session perfect for a relaxed evening.
• Affordable price point for three high-quality brandies and chocolates.
• The historical significance of ArArAt brandies, prized by USSR officials and figures like Winston Churchill.
• Language options in Greek and English make it accessible for most visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Armenian Brandy Tasting Experience in Athens

The Setting and Overall Atmosphere

The CRU Tasting Room, located in the heart of Athens, offers a cozy yet lively environment for spirits tasting. The room is designed to feel welcoming, with knowledgeable staff eager to share stories behind each brandy. The smaller group size meant we felt comfortable asking questions and savoring each sip at our own pace. The space’s intimate nature encourages conversation, making it more than just a tasting; it’s a mini cultural exploration.

The Duration and Structure

At 45 minutes, this experience is concise but well-curated. You’ll start with an introduction to Armenian brandy history and the particular grapes used, such as Voskehat, Miskhali, and Chilar—indigenous varieties that give Armenian brandies their distinctive character. The host explains the significance of each, including the fact that ArArAt brandy existed ten years before the Yerevan Brandy Company was officially established in 1877.

The Three Armenian Ararat Brandies

The core of this tasting involves sampling three different ages of Armenian brandies—7, 10, and 15 years old. Each offers a subtle evolution in flavor, aroma, and complexity. We particularly appreciated the inclusion of the 15-year-old Ararat—not just for its depth but also for its historical prestige, as it was enjoyed by notable figures such as Winston Churchill.

• Ararat 7 years old: The youngest of the trio, it displayed a vibrant, slightly fruity profile with a bitter chocolate pairing that brought out its crispness.
• Ararat 10 years old: Showcasing more maturity, this brandy had smoother, deeper notes, complemented by hazelnut chocolate, which added a nutty richness.
• Ararat 15 years old: The star of the show, with a complex aroma that paired beautifully with caramel or tiramisu chocolates, creating a decadent, lingering finish.

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The Chocolate Pairings

The carefully selected chocolates are not just sweet extras—they’re chosen to highlight different facets of each brandy. The bitter chocolate with the 7-year-old emphasizes its youthful sharpness, while the hazelnut chocolate enhances the mature, rounded qualities of the 10-year-old. The caramel or tiramisu chocolates elevate the 15-year-old’s sophisticated profile, adding a touch of indulgence to the tasting.

The Historical and Cultural Context

What sets this experience apart is the story behind the brandies. ArArAt’s legacy predates the Soviet era, making it a genuine piece of Armenian heritage. The fact that the brandy was enjoyed by officials and international guests adds a layer of intrigue and prestige. This isn’t just about tasting; it’s about connecting with a tradition that travelers might not usually encounter in Greece.

The Practical Aspects

Costing $35.01, this tasting offers excellent value considering the quality and historical significance of the spirits. The inclusion of filtered water helps cleanse the palate between tastings, which is especially helpful given the richness of the chocolates. The session is conducted in English and Greek, making it accessible for most travelers.

Note that hotel pickup or drop-off isn’t included, so plan to arrive at the CRU Tasting Room on your own. The experience is flexible in timing—just check availability for the start times that suit your schedule. Since it’s not suitable for those under 21, it’s an activity best reserved for adult spirits enthusiasts.

Why You’ll Love This Experience

If you’re someone who enjoys fine spirits and appreciates the stories behind them, this tasting will captivate you. The authentic Armenian brandies, paired with chocolates that complement their flavors, create a multi-layered sensory experience. The setting allows for a relaxed, intimate atmosphere where you can savor each sip and truly reflect on the craftsmanship involved.

The historical significance of the brandy adds depth to the tasting—learning that this spirit was once enjoyed by top officials and figures like Winston Churchill makes each sip feel special. Plus, the focus on indigenous grapes like Voskehat and Miskhali means you’re tasting something uniquely Armenian, not a generic brandy.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tasting is ideal for adults with an appreciation for spirits and those curious about Armenian culture. It’s also perfect for travelers looking for a relaxed, educational activity that’s easy to fit into an evening. If you’re a fan of chocolate pairings or want to explore spirits beyond Greece’s local offerings, this will suit you well.

People seeking a short, meaningful experience rather than a lengthy tour will find this a satisfying and worthwhile activity. It’s also a great option for couples or small groups wanting an authentic, intimate tasting.

Final Thoughts

This Armenian brandy and chocolate tasting in Athens offers more than just a drink; it’s a chance to connect with Armenia’s heritage in a relaxed, welcoming setting. The quality of the brandies, the thoughtful pairings, and the stories behind each sip make it a memorable experience.

While it’s a brief session, the depth and authenticity of the spirits will leave you with a new appreciation for Armenian craftsmanship. At just over $35, the experience provides excellent value for those eager to learn and enjoy a sophisticated, flavorful treat.

If you’re seeking something culturally rich yet simple to enjoy after dinner, this tasting is a fine choice—an authentic taste of history, culture, and craftsmanship with each glass.

FAQ

How long does the Armenian brandy tasting last?
The experience lasts approximately 45 minutes, making it a quick yet engaging activity perfect for winding down or fitting into a busy itinerary.

What is included in the price?
You’ll taste three Armenian brandies (7, 10, and 15 years old), along with filtered water and chocolates that pair with each spirit.

Is it suitable for children or those under 21?
No, this activity is strictly for adults over 21 due to alcohol consumption.

Are there language options available?
Yes, the tasting is conducted in both Greek and English, ensuring most visitors can comfortably follow along.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot since availability can vary, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is transportation provided?
No, hotel pickup or drop-off isn’t included, so plan to arrive at the CRU Tasting Room on your own.

Can I pay on the day of the experience?
It’s best to reserve and pay later—booking allows you to keep your plans flexible without immediate payment.

This tasting offers a delightful glimpse into Armenian spirits, paired with the luxury of chocolates, all within the lively backdrop of Athens. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just curious, it’s a refined way to add a touch of culture and flavor to your trip.

You can check if your dates are available here: