Mane XO Brandy 750ML is an Armenian brandy aged a minimum of eight years in Karabakh black oak barrels, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Produced by the Proshyan Brandy Factory in Armenia, this XO expression distinguishes itself through its use of rare Karabakh black oak — a wood type virtually unseen outside Armenian brandy production — lending a character that separates it sharply from French oak-aged alternatives.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Armenia | Minimum 8 Years Aged | Distillery: Proshyan Brandy FactoryProduction & HeritageThe Proshyan Brandy Factory, located in Armenia's Ararat region, blends select cognac spirits that have matured for no fewer than eight years in barrels fashioned from Karabakh black oak. This particular oak species imparts a distinct tannic structure and aromatic depth that differs meaningfully from the Limousin and Tronçais oak common in French cognac production. The extended aging at the XO level allows the spirit to develop a layered complexity, integrating fruit-forward Armenian brandy character with the deep, spicy wood influence of the Karabakh barrels.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with full-bodied, inviting aromatics. Dried apricot leads, followed by vanilla and gentle spice that build in warmth as the brandy breathes.Taste: The entry is soft and fruit-forward, with ripe stone fruit giving way to a honeyed sweetness at mid-palate. Subtle oak undertones emerge as the flavors develop, balancing the natural fruitiness with restrained wood tannin and a touch of baking spice.Finish: The finish is warm and lingering, marked by a pleasant peppery heat that slowly fades. A residual sweetness of dried fruit and honey stays on the palate well after each sip.How to Drink Mane XOAt eight-plus years of age, Mane XO rewards neat sipping in a tulip-shaped snifter at room temperature; a few drops of water can open up the dried fruit aromatics further. For cocktail use, the brandy's fruit-and-spice profile works well in these applications: Sidecar — The dried apricot and vanilla notes complement the citrus of fresh lemon juice and orange liqueur. Brandy Old Fashioned — The honeyed sweetness pairs naturally with a sugar cube and aromatic bitters, requiring less sweetener than younger spirits. Vieux Carré — The oak depth and peppery finish stand up alongside rye whiskey and sweet vermouth in this split-base classic. Best For Exploring Armenian brandy for the first time alongside more familiar French expressions After-dinner sipping during cooler months when warming, spiced spirits feel most appropriate Gifting someone who appreciates aged spirits with an uncommon regional identity Building a brandy collection that includes oak-aging traditions beyond Western Europe Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Mane XO taste like? Mane XO delivers ripe stone fruit, dried apricot, and honeyed sweetness on the palate, balanced by subtle oak and a peppery, warming finish. The overall profile leans fruit-forward with moderate spice.How does Mane XO compare to Hennessy XO? Hennessy XO is a French cognac aged in Limousin oak, producing a profile that tends toward dried flower, chocolate, and baked spice, while Mane XO uses Karabakh black oak and skews toward dried apricot, honey, and stone fruit. Mane XO also typically sits at a significantly lower price tier than Hennessy XO, making it a more accessible entry into the XO category.Is Mane XO good for sipping neat? Yes — the minimum eight years of barrel aging gives Mane XO enough complexity and smoothness to drink neat without harshness, and the peppery finish provides a satisfying close to each sip.Where is Mane XO made? Mane XO is produced by the Proshyan Brandy Factory in Armenia. Armenia has a centuries-old brandy-making tradition, and the region's native Karabakh black oak is central to the spirit's distinctive character.What foods pair well with Mane XO? Dried apricots and mixed nuts echo the brandy's fruit-and-spice aromatics. Dark chocolate with a cacao content around 70% complements the oak tannins. Aged hard cheeses like Gouda or Manchego balance the honeyed sweetness. Baklava or other nut-based pastries harmonize with the vanilla notes. Grilled lamb seasoned with warm spices mirrors the peppery finish.What sizes does Mane XO come in? The standard and most widely available size is the 750ml bottle.Is Mane XO worth the price? Mane XO positions as a value-oriented XO brandy, delivering eight-plus years of oak aging at a price point well below most French XO cognacs, which makes it a strong option for drinkers seeking aged brandy complexity without the premium cognac markup.Why Mane XO?The defining feature of Mane XO is its maturation in Karabakh black oak — a barrel material that remains almost exclusive to Armenian brandy production and gives this spirit a tasting profile that oak-aged brandies from other regions simply cannot replicate. At a minimum of eight years old, it meets and exceeds the six-year XO standard set by many brandy-producing traditions. The result is a genuinely distinctive aged spirit that introduces drinkers to a side of the brandy world rarely explored outside Armenia. For anyone looking to expand beyond French cognac without sacrificing depth or aging integrity, Mane XO makes a compelling case on its own terms.
