The color makes me wonder if we have some caramel coloring in the mix. Purchased a couple bottles of this for a clarified milk punch. My initial taste and the reviews of others are reassuring signs that this’ll make for a fine punch. Definitely has that raisin wine telltale brandy taste. Still, a bit tannic in general, but only enough that I’d be the one griping about it. I guess this is an attempt to buck the lousy reputation brandy has among young folk. In general, not bad. Especially since most places are limited in brandy options.