Magistr is Moldovan brandy made by Ungheni-Vin. It’s the most common Moldovan brandy and widely available in Baltic supermarkets. Ungheni-Vin was established in 1945, focusing on wine, sparkling wine and distillate production. Grapes for the brandy come from Ungheni parish. Magistr VSOP is matured for 3 years in oak barrels and diluted to 36% bottling strength. It’s the cheapest of all Moldovan brandies on the market, price was 8.29€ for a 50cl bottle. 

Aroma is light, there are some raisins and overripe fruits. Taste has dry wood, ripe fruit, a bit of dried raisin/ploom and old leather. Overall, Magistr is a bit fusty, it’s maybe matured for recycled barrels so there are not so many wood aromas anymore. It’s definitely not the best Moldovan brandy, quite mediocre I’d say. Nothing too good but not disturbing either, except a bit of fusty leather in the aftertaste. 

72/100