According to biblical tradition, Ararat is believed to be the birthplace of humanity. In the 13th century, Marco Polo described Mount Ararat as an inaccessible mountain with perpetually snow-covered peaks. The first recorded successful climb to Great Ararat was accomplished on 27 September 1829 by Johann Jacob von Parrot, a 37-year-old German professor who reached the summit on his third try. James Bryce, an English scientist and statesman, later remarked in 1876 that if indeed this is where humans first stepped foot on land, it would be an incredibly impressive center of the universe. It has a distinct aroma of ripe and juicy plums, with hints of sweet Armenian peach and a delicate taste featuring a touch of black currant.