ARARAT Nairi Armenian Brandy Aged 20 Years: Premium Product, Characteristics, and Tasting Features

Twenty years would be too long to produce brandy that old, but what matters now is the fact that identical components and the same formula should be used. For many years, the spirits were kept in oak barrels since they add a lot of taste and aroma to the drink. The brand has made the rare Aleppo brandies obsolete using the ARARAT Nairi variety, which is a part of the aged brandies produced by the brand. All of these are similar to the properties of beer with aged and deep flavors that are appreciated by beer aficionados and can be enjoyed on a long-term basis.  It’s time to discuss a few intrinsic qualities of this brandy, and a few points regarding its tasting. 

Characteristics of ARARAT Nairi

On the basis of the data regarding the peculiarities of brandy, one is able to evaluate the qualities and specific features of the beverage even prior to its consumption. Hence, there is a need to dwell upon the main peculiarities of brandy.

Flavor Profile and Aroma

The bouquet of the ARARAT Nairi consists of several layers that slowly unfold. The scent of the Armenian brandy makes a multilayered sense during tasting. Several key components can be distinguished in it.

• Spicy notes: It is influenced by spices, cloves, and cinnamon. The shades are those that will be the first thing you see, and you’ll see more of them. The spiciness is not sharp but delicate, harmoniously entwined with other aspects of the composition.
• Nutty tones: The pine nuts and toasted bread lend some depth and richness to the overall impression. These notes appear thanks to prolonged contact with the Caucasian oak used to make the barrels. Older oak wood (70 years or more) imparts special properties to the brandy that can not be created with the younger wood.
• Honey accents: The main notes are supported by floral honey and balsamic shades, which add a touch of sweetness without being overpowering. It’s so memorable, ARARI Nairi aroma and sweetness make it spicy. At the bottom end of the aroma, a few dried fruits can be noticed. 

In the mouth, its soft nature and its enveloping nature are experienced from the first taste. This is the party of nuts that are roasted, dried apricots, and caramel that is rich. The use of cinnamon and honey in bread results in the cinnamon enhancing the sweetness of the honey, while the latter enhances the spicy nature of the cinnamon. Its finish is long and balanced and lasts for some minutes. Its aftertaste is spicy, sweet, peppery, and rounded. Personal tastes also coincide with the likes of those of beer lovers who like strong craft beers that linger.

Tasting Features

It takes preparation and an understanding of basic rules to savour a high-quality brandy from Armenia. ARARAT Nairi should be treated with caution. The flavor and fragrance of any brandy will be profoundly influenced by proper preparation, just like modern brewing. The optimum serving temperature of ARARAT Nairi is 16-18°C, the temperature range at which all the qualities of the drink can be detected. Low temperature inhibits volatiles and makes brandy that’s too cold not reveal its aroma. 

When a drink is too hot, the alcohol becomes overpowering and loses balance, since the alcohol notes take over very subtle shades. The type of glass is also a critical factor when tasting. Snifters or tulip glasses that funnel the scent towards the upper section of the glass are recommended. The amount of brandy poured should not be more than 30-40ml, about a quarter of the glass, and should be able to breathe. The large base allows heating of the brandy by a warm palm (if needed).

Food Pairings

Nairi ARARAT is a digestif that is consumed after the meal to complete the dining experience. Indeed, there are certain foods where this type of brandy serves as a great accompaniment to enhance the flavor of the brandy itself.

• Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate and chocolate truffles are ideal accompaniments, bringing to the fore these two characteristics. The degree of cocoa is approximately 70% or higher, to help suppress the oak flavor note in the brandy.  Too sweet chocolate will clash will enhance the sweetness of the drink and disrupt its harmony.
• Espresso: With an espresso, the taste spectrum of the ARARAT Nairi coffee becomes more noticeable because of the espresso’s accentuation on its taste notes of toasting and spiciness. You should keep in mind that the espresso must not be excessively bitter, since otherwise, all the taste qualities will be ruined. Such a drink combination is popular in the Caucasian and Mediterranean countries.
• Dried fruits: The bouquet of ARARAT Nairi brings out the sweetness of such dried fruits as apricots, figs, dates, and prunes. Such fruits are traditionally used together with Armenian brandy and are considered a classic accompaniment. Dried fruits purchased should be of good quality, free of added sugars and preservatives. 
• Nuts: The incorporation of all these types of nuts might help achieve that nutty flavor that will persist in the aftertaste of the brandy. These nuts should be fresh, unsalted, slightly roasted, and free from preservatives.

Why ARARAT Nairi Appeals to Lovers of Rich, Crafted Drinks 

ARARAT Nairi can be used for special occasions, festive events, and can be a refined gift for those who enjoy premium drinks with a long finish and deep flavor. Beer lovers, global fans looking for a bit more to their pour might find it presents itself quite nicely and has a rich character, as well.