Great review. It seems this is something worth tasting. As a Bulgarian, I suggest trying some Bulgarian brandies like rakia (can be made from any fruit but most are grape brandies, aged in oak for a limited period of time to showcase the typical aromas of a particular grape variety) or some aged brandies like Black Sea Gold 33Y XO. It is made from Ugni Blanc and the local grape varieties most suitable for prolonged oak aging: Dimiat and Rkatsiteli, as it is as close to Cognac as possible with good expression of the local terroir and aging conditions (close to Black Sea coast). I think you will like it. With its nice coastal influence, I find some similarities with Bois Ordinaries cognacs. For the rakias, I strongly suggest: Edna Wine Rakia - made from both red and white grape varieties like Traminer, Pinot Noir and Muscat Ottonel. Some parts of the brandy are aged for up to 12 years. This is a really complex and interesting drink that I highly recomed. Edna Misketova Rakia - made from the local sungurlarski misket, white grape. Very fresh, as it is aged in a tired oak cask for less than a year and retains the full spectrum of fruity and floral aromas associated with the grape variety. I think it is a single cask as well. Any rakia from Seewines/Arkana - most are from Muscat Ottonel. Rakia Kulturna Specia Reserve - made from the local ancient white grape variety, Red Misket, aged for around 7 years. A very classy drink I would say. Also, similar to some younger cognacs, but more fruity and aromatic. Red Misket is flavourful with notes of roses, elderflower and citruses, reminiscent of Muscat Family, but toned down in intensity. You won't regret any of them if you like more fruit forward drinks Of, course in case you can find them :D
Unfortunately, it is currently impossible to get one of the bottlings you suggested here in Germany. But I'm keeping both eyes open and if the opportunity to get a bottling arises, I will of course review it. Thank you again for all of your suggestions.
Great review. It seems this is something worth tasting.
As a Bulgarian, I suggest trying some Bulgarian brandies like rakia (can be made from any fruit but most are grape brandies, aged in oak for a limited period of time to showcase the typical aromas of a particular grape variety) or some aged brandies like Black Sea Gold 33Y XO. It is made from Ugni Blanc and the local grape varieties most suitable for prolonged oak aging: Dimiat and Rkatsiteli, as it is as close to Cognac as possible with good expression of the local terroir and aging conditions (close to Black Sea coast). I think you will like it. With its nice coastal influence, I find some similarities with Bois Ordinaries cognacs.
For the rakias, I strongly suggest:
Edna Wine Rakia - made from both red and white grape varieties like Traminer, Pinot Noir and Muscat Ottonel. Some parts of the brandy are aged for up to 12 years. This is a really complex and interesting drink that I highly recomed.
Edna Misketova Rakia - made from the local sungurlarski misket, white grape. Very fresh, as it is aged in a tired oak cask for less than a year and retains the full spectrum of fruity and floral aromas associated with the grape variety. I think it is a single cask as well.
Any rakia from Seewines/Arkana - most are from Muscat Ottonel.
Rakia Kulturna Specia Reserve - made from the local ancient white grape variety, Red Misket, aged for around 7 years. A very classy drink I would say. Also, similar to some younger cognacs, but more fruity and aromatic. Red Misket is flavourful with notes of roses, elderflower and citruses, reminiscent of Muscat Family, but toned down in intensity.
You won't regret any of them if you like more fruit forward drinks
Of, course in case you can find them :D
Hi,
thanks for all your suggestions. I will put them for sure on my list. 👍
Unfortunately, it is currently impossible to get one of the bottlings you suggested here in Germany. But I'm keeping both eyes open and if the opportunity to get a bottling arises, I will of course review it. Thank you again for all of your suggestions.