ARARAT Ani 6 Year

Rating: 14/23 I've been curious to try Armenian brandy for quite some time. I'm not expecting a ton of this 6 year old offering, but I'm hoping that it at least shows some promise. N: A little bit of youthful bite, but lots of nice, big, sweet vanilla going on in here. Oh, then tar starts taking over and hints of orange peel come in too. Some of that nice cognac grape fruity sweetness. A hint of meat, but it isn't bad. P: Sweet, but youthful with a burn. Some clean water. Spices, hints of tar, very faint sulphur. Vanilla mixes a bit with some full fruity sweetness. It's actually bit of a creamy sweetness. Oh, that's confectioner's sugar. Hints of licorice. F: A bit sweeter than I'd like, but lingering spices and burn balance it out. A bit of vanilla and light meatiness. - Conclusion - This isn't bad. I'm not loving it, but I can sip it just fine. There's plenty of sugar in here and I'm fine with that. For the rating, I'm thinking that this is easily at least a 12. I don't think it's a 16 though. I'm thinking a 14. Coming back to this the next day, I'm thinking it's still a 14.

Ararat 6 year (Ani), from Armenia, brought over as a gift set. This came as a 50 ml bottle in the set. No government warning other than a pregnant lady crossed out. 40% ABV. Aroma is mainly fruity. The taste is very fruity, nice sugary sweetness on the palate. Notes of apricot, figs, and white grapes. Slight oak notes on the back end. Easy going and smooth. Nice aftertaste. Very enjoyable. Overall grade: B+