{"title":"Mane","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"mane-xo-brandy-750ml","title":"Mane XO Brandy 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMane XO Brandy 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Armenia  |  Minimum 8 Years Aged  |  Distillery: Proshyan Brandy Factory\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Mane XO\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSidecar\u003c\/strong\u003e — The dried apricot and vanilla notes complement the citrus of fresh lemon juice and orange liqueur.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrandy Old Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e — The honeyed sweetness pairs naturally with a sugar cube and aromatic bitters, requiring less sweetener than younger spirits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVieux Carré\u003c\/strong\u003e — The oak depth and peppery finish stand up alongside rye whiskey and sweet vermouth in this split-base classic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring Armenian brandy for the first time alongside more familiar French expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping during cooler months when warming, spiced spirits feel most appropriate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting someone who appreciates aged spirits with an uncommon regional identity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a brandy collection that includes oak-aging traditions beyond Western Europe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Mane XO taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Mane XO compare to Hennessy XO?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Mane XO good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Mane XO made?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Mane XO?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Mane XO come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard and most widely available size is the 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Mane XO worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Mane XO?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mane","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837813878953,"sku":"12082","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Mane-Brandy-XO__76944.jpg?v=1730495601"},{"product_id":"mane-brandy-vsop-750ml","title":"Mane Brandy VSOP 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMane Brandy VSOP 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 40% ABV Armenian brandy aged a minimum of five years in Karabakh black oak barrels, produced by the Proshyan Brandy Factory. This expression stands apart through a distinctive finishing technique — repeated exposure over three months in casks previously used for fortified wine — that adds depth and complexity beyond what typical VSOP-tier Armenian brandies deliver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Ararat Valley, Armenia  |  Aged Minimum 5 Years  |  Distillery: Proshyan Brandy Factory\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Proshyan Brandy Factory, located near the Ararat Valley in Armenia, is best known for its flagship Mané brand. Mane VSOP is double distilled and matured for at least five years in barrels made from Karabakh black oak, a regional wood prized for its dense grain and tannic structure. What distinguishes this expression from others in the range is a secondary maturation step: the spirit undergoes repeated exposure over a three-month period in barrels that previously held fortified wine, lending additional sweetness and aromatic layers. The bottle itself is also notable — shaped like a monkey, it is handmade and has become a recognizable hallmark of the brand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sweet caramel leads, followed by ripe grape and subtle dried fruit. As the brandy opens in the glass, a gentle oakiness emerges underneath the fruit-forward top notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is smooth and approachable, with caramel and soft grape sweetness arriving first. At mid-palate, black oak tannins provide structure without overwhelming the fruit, and a quiet spice note surfaces toward the peak. The overall impression is balanced and pure — a brandy that does not try to shout over itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length, with warm caramel fading into toasted oak and a faint dried-grape sweetness. The tannins remain present but polished, leaving a clean, slightly dry close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Mane VSOP\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeat in a tulip-shaped snifter at room temperature is the best way to appreciate the Karabakh oak influence and the layered caramel and grape character. A single ice cube can soften the tannins for those who prefer a lighter sip. For cocktails, Mane VSOP works well in a \u003cstrong\u003eSidecar\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its caramel sweetness balances the citrus; a \u003cstrong\u003eBrandy Alexander\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the grape and oak notes complement the cream; and a \u003cstrong\u003eVieux Carré\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its structured tannins hold up against rye whiskey and sweet vermouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to Armenian brandy for the first time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA conversation-starting gift thanks to its handmade monkey-shaped bottle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or dried fruit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding an Armenian brandy collection beyond the mainstream labels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Mane VSOP taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Mane VSOP delivers a smooth, caramel-forward palate with ripe grape sweetness and moderate black oak tannins. The finish is medium-length and clean, with toasted wood and dried fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Mane VSOP compare to Ararat Akhtamar VSOP?\u003c\/strong\u003e Ararat Akhtamar carries a 10-year age statement and tends toward deeper dried-fruit and spice notes from longer oak contact. Mane VSOP, aged at least five years with an additional fortified-wine-cask finish, leans more toward caramel sweetness and a lighter tannic profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Mane VSOP good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its 40% ABV and smooth, balanced profile make it well-suited for neat sipping, particularly for drinkers who enjoy fruit-forward brandies without heavy heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Mane VSOP made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Mane VSOP is produced by the Proshyan Brandy Factory in the Ararat Valley region of Armenia, an area with a centuries-long tradition of grape cultivation and brandy production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Mane VSOP?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate complements the caramel and oak tones. Aged hard cheeses like Parmesan echo its nutty undertones. Dried apricots and figs mirror the grape and fruit character. Baklava pairs naturally with its sweet, spiced finish. Roasted walnuts bring out the tannic structure of the Karabakh oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Mane VSOP come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard retail size is the 750ml bottle, presented in its signature handmade monkey-shaped decanter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Mane VSOP worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Mane VSOP positions as a mid-range Armenian brandy that punches above its tier thanks to the fortified-wine-cask finishing step and the collectible bottle design, making it strong value within the VSOP category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Mane VSOP?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fortified-wine-cask finishing technique is the clearest differentiator here — few Armenian brandies at the VSOP level undergo this secondary maturation, and it contributes a sweetness and aromatic complexity that the base oak aging alone would not achieve. The use of Karabakh black oak, rather than more common Limousin or generic European oak, gives Mane VSOP a regional identity that is hard to replicate outside Armenia. Combined with the distinctive handmade bottle, this is an expression that rewards both the palate and the eye, earning a legitimate place among serious Armenian brandy offerings.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mane","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837813911721,"sku":"10018","price":27.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Mane-Brandy-VSOP__21701.jpg?v=1730495605"},{"product_id":"mane-xo-brandy-1-75l","title":"Mane XO Brandy 1.75L","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMane XO Brandy 1.75L\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Armenia  |  Minimum 8 Years Old  |  Distillery: Proshyan Brandy Factory\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Mane XO\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 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 \u003cstrong\u003eSidecar\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the brandy's ripe fruit amplifies the citrus and triple sec; a \u003cstrong\u003eBrandy Old Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the Karabakh oak spice plays well against bitters and sugar; and a \u003cstrong\u003eVieux Carré\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the mineral depth and warmth of this Armenian brandy can stand alongside rye whiskey and sweet vermouth without being overshadowed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping as a digestif alongside dark chocolate or dried fruits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting gatherings where the 1.75L format ensures ample pours for a crowd\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring Armenian brandy as an alternative to French Cognac or Armagnac\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a spirits enthusiast who appreciates age-stated, old-world brandy traditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Mane XO taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Mane XO compare to Ararat brandy?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Mane XO good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Mane XO made?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Mane XO?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Mane XO come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e This expression is available in the 1.75L handle format, which is the size listed here; a standard 750ml bottle is also commonly available.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Mane XO worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Mane XO?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mane","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837814239401,"sku":"22093","price":149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Mane-XO-Brandy__65463.jpg?v=1730495613"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/mane.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}