This well-aged brandy is named after the capital of the Bagratuni Kingdom, Ani, which was founded in the 5th century and was once one of the largest cities in the world. After facing war and natural disasters, Ani was eventually abandoned in the 1600s. Today, the city is known for its ancient ruins and cathedral, located on the border of modern-day Armenia and Turkey. Made from local grapes, some of which are only found in Armenia, this brandy is carefully produced using horizontal presses to avoid crushing the seeds and affecting the flavor. The spirit undergoes a double distillation process for purity and is then aged in Armenian oak barrels for six years. Armenian oak has a denser grain compared to American oak, resulting in a richly flavored spirit. The brandy has an amber color with hints of chocolate, a vibrant and spicy aroma, and light notes of orange, vanilla, and almond. It offers an intense and long-lasting taste, with a clear sweetness that adds a roundness to its flavor. The taste transitions to lemon and dried fig, and has a slightly acidic aftertaste.