Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/912565
december 2017 / the tasting panel / 81 Old World Treasure: ARARAT BRANDY Evidence of early civilizations in the area of modern-day Armenia dates back to around 4,000 B.C. Named after Mount Ararat, the highest point in the Armenian Highlands, ARARAT Brandy celebrates these ancient roots of the Armenian people. Brandy production in the region began back in 1887 and has survived both revolutions and nationalization during the Soviet era. "ARARAT represents Armenian culture and hospitality," says Karen Meymaryan, U.S. Representative for ARARAT. "We love sharing special moments, occasions, and experiences with friends and loved ones over a glass of brandy. It is my honor to help grow this brand in the U.S., and we are excited to build awareness in America for ARARAT." The seven grapes—including Voskehat, Garandmak, Mskhali, Kangun, and Rkaziteli— used to make the brandies come from vineyards in the Ararat Valley, which receives 300 days of sunshine a year. These grapes undergo steam distillation—helping to preserve the flavor of the spirit—and age in Caucasian (Armenian) oak cut from trees at least 70 years old. With a ten-year resting period that results in an elegant and rich spirit, ARARAT Akhtamar (SRP $40–$45) pays homage to the legend of an Armenian princess whose lover died trying to reach her on an island. Master Blender Markar Sedrakyan created the first addition of the ARARAT Exclusive Collection, Dvin (SRP $100), in 1945. Over the decades, this ten-year-old brandy with great balance and depth has been recog- nized for its superior flavor profiles at international competitions. It's also found admirers around the world: This expression was known as Winston Churchill's favorite. David Driscoll of K&L Wines also became a ARARAT fan: "Armenian brandy is to Eastern Europe what Cognac is to Western Europe," he says. "Production dates back to the 19th century in some cases, and I've tasted a few older expressions over the years that have rivaled some of the finest French brandies in the world." TASTING NOTES ARARAT Brandy 5 Years Old ($23) Aromas of black tea, peach, orange, and marzipan create a mesmerizing effect for this elegant brandy from Armenia. At 80 proof, the palate is luxurious with flavors of oatmeal, plum, apricot, and melting brown buttered sugar. The entry is lush and weighty. 94 —M.M. YEREVAN BRANDY COMPANY ARARAT in History "People say this really expensive Armenian brandy [DVIN] is the drink that cemented the Yalta conference between Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill. It's rumored that after the war Stalin sent Churchill 400 bottles of this a year. Others say he sent it to Roosevelt, too. Whether the stories are true to history or not, I loved it. It was really fantastic; it was such an experience and one of the best single liquors I've ever had in my life." — Jack Maxwell, Host of Booze Traveler on the Travel Channel