Notes: This is a Armenian Brandy – sometimes referred to as Armenian Cognac but that designation is no longer allowed as it does not come from the Cognac region of France. It comes from the Yerevan region of Armenia. Vintners use the Armenian grapes Mskhali, Garan, Dmak, Voskeat, Kangun and the Georgian grape Rkatsiteli in the production of brandy from that area. Armenian Brandy was a favorite of Winston Churchill.

First Impression: Dried fruits, yenidje sobranie tobacco, leather and almonds. A dry sherry smell, muscat grapes, much drier and more restrained than the Ara Jan Armenian Brandy.

Appearance: Amber/gold color, leaves thin coat and long legs on swirling. Could be mistaken for a younger bourbon in color.

Taste: More like a Armagnac than its cousin Ara Jan. Fruity, sherry notes, black pepper, sobranie tobacco and a mild, slightly hot or warming finish. It lets you know you are drinking brandy. Much milder than the German brandies (Such as Asbach Uralt ) and much leaner than its Armenian or Georgian cousins.

Drinks: Worked well in a Black Pagoda (basically a brandy Manhattan -See Gary Regan’s Bartenders Bible) but leaner and less plump. Good with other brandy drinks where you want a different spin.

Bottle: Short bell shaped bottle,similar in shape to many French cognac and Armagnac bottles-dark green. Old-style paper label with picture of a coastline and cyrillic script (Armenian Cognac) and a shoulder labek with five gold stars and the Proshyan logo. Holographic anti-tamper seal on cork. Cork closure and gold neck wrap complete the package.

Final Thoughts: A downright ascetic brandy compared to most Armenian brandies I have had in the past. Dry and spare compared to most, but with a good finish and flavor. Much better than any Armagnac in that price range (although a rather different taste profile)

Website: http://www.aikollc.com

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