Global Spirits USA has initially introduced its newest product, Odessa Brandy, in Maryland and Georgia through the company’s distributors, Potomac Wines & Spirits and Savannah Distributing, respectively.

Odessa is named after a major seaport in the Ukraine, known as the “pearl of the Black Sea,” which was founded in 1794 by a decree of the Empress Catherine the Great, the company says. The city has a history for winemaking and brandy production. The Shustov Distillery, which manufactures Odessa, lies about 20 kilometers from Odessa near the village Velikodolinskoe.

Odessa is produced from spirits distilled from white grape varietals including Rkatsiteli, Aligoté and Pinot varieties. The Rkatsiteli is an pale-skinned grape variety from the Republic of Georgia. Aligoté is a white grape used to make dry white wines in the Burgundy region of France, and is also cultivated in many Eastern Europe countries.

Odessa is distilled using the traditional French “Charentais” – or double fractional distillation – in copper pot stills. The spirit then ages in oak barrels for at least five years.

The resulting brandy has oriental spices and citrus fruit on the first nose, the company says, while the second follows with hints of raisins and tones of maturity. The taste carries honey and nutty overtones, with a caramel finish.

Available in 750-ml and 100-ml sizes, the product carries a suggested retail price of $9.99 or $1.49, respectively.