I think there are several hardneck and softneck garlic varieties, all heirloom, that originated in Russia. Also several are from other eastern European countries, like Poland, Romania and Hungary. The variety from Romania is named "Translyvania" and is the garlic of the novel "Dracula". It is believed by many to keep bad spirits away!
By the way, the term heirloom really doesn't mean very much. Many people believe that it relates to the quality/taste of a vegetable, and though the quality/taste may be superior to hybrids of the same vegetable, it is not necessary so. The term only means that it was grown in "olden" times and is the same plant as was grown then. Generally, it means that the vegetable has been around for a minimum of 50 years, but many won't call a vegetable "Heirloom" unless it goes back at least 100 years. Some heirlooms go far back in history, over 300 years. And though heirlooms may be great in taste/color/texture, they generally will be more susceptible to insects and diseases. Many of the hybrids were developed for resistance to pests and disease.
