Ararat-Akhtamar VSOP 10 Yr Brandy
Ararat-Akhtamar VSOP 10 Yr Brandy is an 80-proof (40% ABV) Armenian brandy blending more than fifteen distillates, each aged ten years in Caucasian oak casks built in Yerevan Brandy Company's own cooperage from trees over seventy years old. Warm amber with light copper highlights, it pours "voluminous and sweet" in the brand's words — strong notes of prunes and cinnamon on the nose, beeswax, walnut and oak with hints of prunes and vanilla on the palate — full, soft, silky, and pleasantly tart with a long aftertaste. It is named for the legend of Princess Tamar of Akhtamar Island, whose lover swam Lake Van to her each night; "Akhtamar" echoes his dying words — "Ah, Tamar." It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 10 years; blend of 15+ distillates in Caucasian oak
- Origin: Yerevan Brandy Company, Armenia
- Production: Charentais double distillation; cooperage casks from 70+ year-old Caucasian oak
The Legend of Princess Tamar
Every Ararat bottle carries Armenian history, and Akhtamar carries the saddest story: a princess on an island in Lake Van, a lover who swam to her light each night, and the night the light went out. The brandy named for her is anything but tragic — a voluminous, sweet ten-year blend of prunes, cinnamon, beeswax, walnut and vanilla that drinks like the house's warmest pour. Compare it with the rest of the Ararat lineup in our brandy collection.
Tasting Notes
Color: warm amber with light copper highlights. Aroma: strong prunes and cinnamon, voluminous and sweet. Palate: beeswax, walnut, oak, hints of prunes and vanilla. Finish: full, soft, silky, pleasantly tart, long.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a single large cube — the sweetness plays beautifully slightly chilled. It also warms a winter cocktail; find ideas among our cocktail-ready spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Akhtamar mean?
"Ah, Tamar" — the dying words of Princess Tamar's lover in the Armenian legend of Akhtamar Island on Lake Van.
How long is Ararat Akhtamar aged?
Ten years in Caucasian oak, from a blend of more than fifteen distillates.
What does it taste like?
Prunes and cinnamon on the nose; beeswax, walnut, oak, and vanilla on a full, silky palate.
Legend, silk, and spice in one bottle — order Ararat Akhtamar VSOP online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.