Mane XO Brandy 1.75L is an Armenian brandy aged a minimum of eight years, bottled at 40% ABV in a 1.75-liter format. Produced by the Proshyan Brandy Factory from four indigenous Armenian grape varieties, this XO expression draws much of its character from extended maturation in rare Karabakh black oak barrels—a wood source native to the Caucasus region that imparts distinctive herbal and mineral qualities rarely found in Western European brandies.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Armenia | Minimum 8 Years Old | Distillery: Proshyan Brandy FactoryProduction & HeritageThe Proshyan Brandy Factory is one of Armenia's established brandy producers, operating alongside the country's other major houses—Ararat and Noy—that collectively form the backbone of Armenian brandy production. Mane XO is distilled from a blend of four autochthonous grape varieties: Mskhali, Chilar, Voskeat, and Garandmak. These indigenous cultivars are adapted to Armenia's high-altitude terroir and contribute a fruit-forward, aromatic distillate. Following distillation using classic Armenian brandy-making technology, the spirit is aged for no fewer than eight years in barrels fashioned from Karabakh black oak. This Caucasian oak variety is prized for the delicate dried herb, chocolate, and mineral nuances it lends to the maturing spirit—qualities that have become a hallmark of Armenian brandy as a category.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with full-bodied layers of ripe stone fruit and honeyed sweetness, followed by subtle dried herb and oak undertones. Extended time in the glass reveals deeper complexity with hints of dark chocolate and mineral earthiness drawn from the Karabakh oak.Taste: The entry is smooth and fruit-driven, with honeyed apricot and ripe plum flavors coating the palate. At mid-palate the body fills out considerably, revealing a multi-faceted interplay of dried fruit, gentle vanilla, and subtle spice. The mouthfeel is notably round and well-integrated, reflecting the extended aging period.Finish: The finish is warm and lingering, with a distinctive peppery warmth that builds gradually before fading into soft oak tannins and dried fruit. It closes clean with a pleasant mineral dryness that invites another sip.How to Drink Mane XOAt eight years of age, Mane XO is best appreciated neat at room temperature or with a single cube of ice to gently open the aromatics. A tulip-shaped snifter concentrates the complex nose. For cocktails, the honeyed fruit profile and peppery backbone make it a strong candidate for a Sidecar, where the brandy's ripe fruit amplifies the citrus and triple sec; a Brandy Old Fashioned, where the Karabakh oak spice plays well against bitters and sugar; and a Vieux Carré, where the mineral depth and warmth of this Armenian brandy can stand alongside rye whiskey and sweet vermouth without being overshadowed.Best For After-dinner sipping as a digestif alongside dark chocolate or dried fruits Hosting gatherings where the 1.75L format ensures ample pours for a crowd Exploring Armenian brandy as an alternative to French Cognac or Armagnac Gifting a spirits enthusiast who appreciates age-stated, old-world brandy traditions Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Mane XO taste like? Mane XO delivers layered flavors of ripe stone fruit and honeyed sweetness, balanced by subtle oak spice and a warm, peppery finish. The eight years spent in Karabakh black oak barrels contribute dried herb, chocolate, and mineral notes throughout.How does Mane XO compare to Ararat brandy? Both are produced in Armenia using traditional methods and indigenous grape varieties, but Mane XO comes from the Proshyan Brandy Factory rather than the Yerevan Brandy Company that produces Ararat. Mane XO's minimum eight-year aging in Karabakh black oak gives it a distinct mineral and herbal character, while Ararat's range spans multiple age statements and price points across a broader portfolio.Is Mane XO good for sipping neat? Yes—with a minimum of eight years of oak maturation and 40% ABV, Mane XO is well-suited to neat sipping, particularly as an after-dinner digestif. The integrated tannins and layered fruit make it approachable without dilution.Where is Mane XO made? Mane XO is produced by the Proshyan Brandy Factory in Armenia, one of the country's established brandy houses. Armenia has a brandy-making tradition dating back over a century, and the region's high-altitude vineyards supply the indigenous grapes used in production.What foods pair well with Mane XO? Dark chocolate complements the brandy's cocoa and oak tones. Dried apricots and figs echo its ripe fruit character. Aged hard cheeses like Gouda or Manchego match its full body. Baklava or honey-drizzled pastries mirror the honeyed sweetness on the palate. Roasted walnuts bring out the mineral and herbal undertones.What sizes does Mane XO come in? This expression is available in the 1.75L handle format, which is the size listed here; a standard 750ml bottle is also commonly available.Is Mane XO worth the price? Mane XO positions as a mid-range Armenian brandy with a genuine eight-year age statement and production from indigenous grape varieties. Compared to similarly aged Cognac or Armagnac, Armenian brandies in this tier generally represent strong value, and the 1.75L format further improves the per-pour economics.Why Mane XO?What sets Mane XO apart is the combination of four autochthonous Armenian grape varieties and extended aging in Karabakh black oak—a wood source virtually unseen outside Caucasian brandy production. That oak contributes a mineral-herbal signature that distinguishes Armenian brandy from its French counterparts and gives Mane XO a sense of place that generic grape brandies simply cannot replicate. The eight-year minimum age statement provides transparency in a category where many competitors at similar price points offer no age disclosure. For drinkers looking beyond Cognac and Armagnac, Mane XO is a legitimate entry point into one of the world's oldest and most distinctive brandy traditions.
