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A & G Cherry Brandy Reserve
Distiller Score 86
The first thing one notices pouring this brandy is the opaque red/brown color that suggests a very active barrel or perhaps the edition of fruit juice or wine. The aromas are quite invigorating with a crunchy cherry preserve character and a bit of a nuttiness reminiscent of toasted almonds. The palate shows lively acidity which balances the sweet stone fruit and barrel elements quite nicely. The finish is snappy, with acid providing a needed crispness and allowing the rich, sweet red-fruit and sherry elements to linger without being cloying.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Hudson Valley Distillers Fine Shine Applejack
Distiller Score 86
This surprisingly aromatic spirit leaves no doubt it was derived from apples. Like a visit to the orchard, aromas of blossoms, peels, and sauce lead to the memory of biting into an apple fresh from the tree. On the palate, it is rich and bracing with the apple notes joined by hints of tarragon and anise. The finish is warm, dry and pleasant. This could nicely replace vodka or gin in numerous cocktails; try in a 50/50 Martini or the Aviation cocktail.
Reviewed by Kelley Slagle
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Harvest Spirits Cornelius Peach Brandy
Distiller Score 88
This one of a kind peach applejack is dominated by the aromas of late harvest peaches, cream, and bananas and just a hint of vanilla and spice that's a gentle reminder this started as a barrel aged applejack first. On the palate, an unexpected acidity reminiscent of orange juice plays nicely with the luscious, roasted peach flavors. At 60 proof, this drinks almost too easy with just a little heat from the alcohol. It is full bodied but not cloying sweet thanks to that subtle acidity. Opens up nicely on the rocks or with a splash of soda to reveal all of the complex spice flavors from the applejack; think vanilla, cinnamon, and hazelnut. Perfect for two-ingredient cocktails such as a Bellini variation that can showcase all the subtle flavors without masking them.
Reviewed by Kelley Slagle
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Rhine Hall La Normande
Distiller Score 88
Rhine Hall's "La Normande" is a departure from their dry brandies and eaux-de-vie. This pommeau by fortifying their unfermented cider with the apple brandy and then ageing in oak barrels. The resulting cordial is sweet without being cloying, bursting with the juiciness of fresh apples and hints of vanilla and smoke from its time in wood. Its lower proof makes this very easy to drink, and very enjoyable too. A bottle of La Normande would be the perfect match for a crisp autumn day.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier
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St. George Raspberry Brandy
Distiller Score 93
The nose is quite delicate and alluring with notes of raspberry supported by green apple, grass, frankincense and mild orange peel. The palate is just as delicate but quite encompassing with raspberry, rosewater, lemon verbena and vanilla. It is very rare for something to both be so delicate yet so packed full of flavor.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Singani 63
Distiller Score 93
Even from a distance, the fragrance of the aromatic Muscat grape can be hard to miss. For those not acquainted with the grape, you will get a combination of floral and sweet green grapes akin to a dessert wine. The flavor, however is not ultra-sweet, though there is a sweetness that balances nicely with the acidity of the spirit. The finish is floral, herbal, and has a touch of white pepper. The enticing flavors stay with you for quite some time. This can, and usually is, consumed neat, but have some fun and replace your white rum cocktails with it.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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A & G Apple Brandy Reserve
Distiller Score 75
The aromatics of this brandy have a strong apple character (good) but a bit too much wood char (bad). The barrel flavors are further apparent with a fairly chewy palate that maintains some fresh orchard fruit but suffers from a hint of astringency. The finish takes a bizarre turn with a sweet, baked grape character that must be the result of the Cream Sherry influence and unfortunately lingers far longer than any hint of apple. There are many interesting things going on here, but unfortunately the flavors compete rather than reach a coherent whole.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Clear Creek Pinot Noir Grappa
Distiller Score 95
The grappa is clear and vibrant, but the aroma is full of red fruit leaning more on the cherry notes. Much like their pinot grigio grappa, there's a slight bitterness on the palate, but the fruit lingers like it has all the time in the world.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Clear Creek Grappa of Pinot Grigio
Distiller Score 93
The white grape skins come across very clearly and cleanly. On the palate, you get some bitterness...it is after all, a grappa. The product is lively and after a few sips, the essence of the fruit stays with you. Should be enjoyed slightly chilled and unadulterated; a semi-soft cheese like Taleggio would take it over the top.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Finger Lakes Distilling Riesling Grappa
Distiller Score 88
This unaged spirit is uniquely aromatic: lemon meringue, whipped cream, orange peels, and hints of fresh cut grass, peach, and honeydew melon. Pleasantly hot and full-bodied on the tongue it has brilliant flavors of sweet grass, stone fruit, and juniper with the lemon-cream and orange peels. Drinks more like an eau de vie than a grappa with layer upon layer to discover on the finish. Drink as a digestif.
Reviewed by Kelley Slagle
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Solbeso Cacao Eau-de-Vie
Distiller Score 86
There is something very familiar yet completely exotic and novel to this spirit. Clay, cocoa butter, pistachios, fresh leather, and orange extract present themselves on the nose first before grass, watermelon and beeswax make their mark. The texture is slightly waxy while the flavor is mildly sweet. Fresh mint, flowers, and licorice root and their flavors to the palate along with those cocoa butter and milk chocolate notes. In a world where so many are rehashing old ideas and repackaging them, it’s refreshing to see something novel that is fun and interesting to taste.
Reviewed by Omari Wheat
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Finger Lakes Distilling Brandy
Distiller Score 90
Very inviting and intriguing nose, right out of the gate. Lots of floral notes, cotton candy, and a distinct aroma of green grapes. It is very light and restrained and completely pleasurable. The palate starts with a sweet heat and the barrel notes that were absent on the nose, vanilla, gingerbread, and star anise, but is still quite restrained. Medium-bodied and rich and definitely true to the nose, green grapes, white flowers, and a hint of waxy apple skins follow. Very bright flavors are found and on the long finish more of the barrel spices open up. A great introduction to the category for a novice brandy drinker. Highly recommend drinking neat or with a single rock.
Reviewed by Kelley Slagle