This is one of those drinks where you know it’s as cheap as it gets, you know there’s higher-quality stuff out there, but there’s something you just like about it. Korbel was my first brandy experience, and it’s what made me want to keep exploring brandies. Now that my eyes have opened to the wider world of eaux de vie, I still keep a bottle of Korbel around. Why? Maybe it’s nostalgia or gratitude, but it’s also just a pretty good brandy for the price. It’s well-balanced, a little tart like an unripe cherry, with plenty of oak and grape to round it out. Very pleasant oaky finish, like you’re sipping it straight from the cask. Minimal burn, very sippable, and hey—if you want to make a vieux carre but don’t want to waste your precious insanely-priced Louis XIII or what have you on such trifle, Korbel is a good choice as a “throwaway” brandy. It’s NOT for everyone, especially if you’ve already developed your brandy palate, but if you’re new to brandy, you don’t want to spend a ton on a bottle of the good stuff just to see if you you like it, and want to try something approachable, consider picking a bottle of this stuff up.