Hye-Land 18 Year Armenian Whiskey Shelf Review

Shelf Review

Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.

Armenia is one of the world’s largest brandy producers – bottling more than 20 million liters of the fruity distillate every year. But whiskey coming out of Armenian is rare. The Eraskh Winery and Distillery is one of the biggest producers – and responsible for the Hye-Land brand – but even they spend most of their time on their own wines and brandies. Despite this, they have created a small core range of whiskey that includes 12, 15, and now 18 year age statements.

Distilled from 100% malted wheat, this 18 year old is first aged in Caucasus Mountain oak barrels before being finished in Armenian brandy barrels. The result is an 18 year old whiskey that comes in at 43% and retails for an incredibly reasonable $65. We have a large Armenian population here in Los Angeles, and I was graciously gifted this bottle over the holidays by close friends. So let’s expand our horizons and see what Armenia is bringing to the whiskey community.

Age: 18 Years

ABV: 43%

Cask: Armenian oak finished in brandy barrels

MSRP: $65

Distillery Name: Eraskh Winery and Distillery

Review Date: 12/29/25

Nose: Caramel popcorn, vanilla cream, apple peel, poached pear, and spun sugar.  

Palate: Whoa. Candy in a glass. Super sweet, with a lemon chew and crystalized ginger. Citrus, ginger, marzipan, and toasted coconut. It’s bright with a syrupy mouthfeel that matches its sweet demeanor.

Finish: Medium length finish featuring toasted oak and more brandy influence of dried dates, and an overall lingering fruitiness. Remains sweet throughout.  

Score: 86

Would I buy again? If you’ve ever wanted to drink one of grandma’s candies, then this 18 year old from Hye-Land is as close as you’re probably going to get. It’s dessert in a glass, with a bright citrus forward palate that’s balanced out by a zing from a strong ginger note. It’s very drinkable but can feel a bit one dimensional. It leans heavily into its sweetness, but lacks some of the oakiness you’d expect from an age statement like this. However, it’s hard to argue with an 18 year whiskey with a $65 MSRP, and with such a strong, dessert-like character – it could be a great choice for your next nightcap.