ARARAT Ani 6 Year

Score: 14/23 I've been curious to try Armenian brandy for quite some time. I'm not expecting a lot from this 6 year old offering, but I'm hoping that it at least shows some potential. Nose: A little bit of youthful bite, but lots of nice, big, sweet vanilla present. Then tar starts taking over and hints of orange peel emerge. Some of that pleasant cognac grape fruity sweetness. A hint of meat, but it's not bad. Palate: 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 a bit of a creamy sweetness. Oh, that's confectioner's sugar. Hints of licorice. Finish: A bit sweeter than I'd prefer, but lingering spices and burn balance it out. A bit of vanilla and light meatiness. - Summary - This isn't bad. I'm not loving it, but I can sip it just fine. There's plenty of sugar here and I'm okay 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. Revisiting this the next day, I'm still thinking it's a 14.

Received as a present, this 40% ABV Ararat 6 Year (Ani) from Armenia was part of a gift package. It arrived in a 50 ml bottle and featured a warning symbol depicting a pregnant woman with a line through it. The nose is predominantly fruity. The palate offers a very fruity character with a pleasant sugary sweetness. Flavors of apricot, figs, and white grapes are present, followed by subtle oak on the finish. It's smooth and easy to drink, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. Quite delightful. Overall grade: B+