How to Serve Ararat 20 Year Nairi Brandy: Temperature and Glassware

By Alcohol Delivery Los Angeles | Sipsy: LA's Best Alcohol Service | Published: 2026-10-31

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the ideal serving temperature, glassware, and food pairings for Ararat 20 Year Nairi brandy. Follow these simple steps to enjoy this aged Armenian XO at its best.

Quick answer

Serve Ararat 20 Year Nairi at room temperature (around 18–20°C / 64–68°F) in a tulip-shaped snifter or a copita glass. Pour a small measure and let it rest for a minute before sipping.

Why temperature matters for a 20-year-old brandy

Ararat Nairi has spent at least two decades in oak, developing deep complexity. Serving it too cold mutes the aroma; too warm and the alcohol dominates. Room temperature is the sweet spot, but adjust slightly if your room is very warm or cool.

Choosing the right glass

A tulip glass or copita directs aromas to your nose while leaving room for swirling. Avoid wide snifters that let alcohol fumes overpower delicate notes, and skip chilled shot glasses—they hide the brandy's nuance.

Food pairing principles

Pair Nairi with rich, savory foods like aged cheeses, dark chocolate, or roasted nuts. Its dried fruit and spice notes also complement lamb or game dishes. Avoid very spicy or acidic foods that can clash with the brandy's smooth finish.

Step-by-step serving guide

Check the room temperature: Aim for a comfortable room temperature of about 18–20°C (64–68°F). If your room is warmer, chill the bottle in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving; if cooler, warm the glass with your hands. Don't serve straight from a hot cupboard or a freezing fridge—extreme temperatures flatten the aroma.
Choose a tulip glass or copita: Select a glass with a narrow rim that tapers inward. Rinse it with warm water and dry thoroughly to remove any dust or soap residue. Avoid wide-bowled snifters—they concentrate alcohol fumes and obscure the brandy's delicate notes.
Pour a modest measure: Pour about 30–45 ml (1–1.5 oz) into the glass. Leave the glass at least one-third empty to allow swirling and aroma development. Overfilling traps heat and makes it harder to appreciate the bouquet.
Let it rest briefly: Allow the brandy to sit for 1–2 minutes so the initial alcohol vapors dissipate and the complex aromas open up. Rushing this step means you'll mostly smell ethanol, not the dried fruit and spice.
Nose and sip slowly: Bring the glass to your nose and inhale gently. Take small sips, letting the brandy coat your palate before swallowing. Sipping too quickly or taking large gulps overwhelms your palate and wastes the 20-year aging.
Pair with complementary foods: Serve alongside aged cheese, dark chocolate, or roasted nuts. For a main course, try lamb or game. Avoid spicy or highly acidic dishes. Strong flavors can mask the brandy's subtleties—keep pairings rich but not overpowering.

About Ararat 20 Year Nairi

Ararat 20 Year Nairi Brandy - 750ml: Aged a minimum of 20 years in oak, Ararat Nairi is the Yerevan Brandy Company's super-premium XO expression. This long aging gives it a deep, dark copper color and complex flavors that reward careful serving.
Ararat 20 Year Nairi Brandy - 750ml