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Eau de Vie - American Fruits Apple Brandy
Warwick Valley Wine Co., Inc.
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American Apple Brandy
Warwick Valley Wine Co, Warwick, NY
PROOF: 80 (40%)
TYPE: Eau De Vie
AGE: 2 years
PRICE: $27.00 375 ML
Notes: Warwick Valley winery is New York State's first fruit distillery (since prohibition) located in the Hudson Valley area. Using New York State produce, they produce a wide range of quality products.
They also have a winery, cidery and bistro. While we haven't been there yet, the products we have sampled are wonderful and it sounds like a great place to visit. Warwicks apple eau de vie brandy is made from a single variety of apples and spends in year aging in New York State oak barrels before bottling.
They also produce a pear brandy, a sour cherry cordial, a bourbon barrel aged apple liqueur, a Bartlett pear liqueur, and a black currant cordial as part of their American Fruits series.
First Impression: More more a eau de vie-style than some others, singular apple variety makes for a starker profile. Crisp well defined apple notes with alcohol. Sweet and tangy with slight cinnamon spice notes with slight, savory and mineral notes around the edges.
Appearance: Nice light wheat straw gold, pristine in appearance. On swirling, leaves a oily even coat on the glass with long legs developing.
Taste: Smooth oily entry with touch of sweetness, then a little tartness and a pleasant warm of the sides of the tongue. Finish is long, aromatic and spicy.
Drinks: Could be used as an aperitif or digestif. Also could be used in a number of drinks calling for Applejack or Calvados. Lighter in style than some but that could be an advantage depending on the drink you are making.
Bottle: Standard clear class 1/2 cylinder 1/2 neck glass brandy bottle with frosted band with apple silhouette and attractive graphics on back. Clear red plastic knob top with synthetic cork to better preserve freshness.
Final Thoughts: A somewhat spare but eminently drinkable apple brandy / eau de vie - nice, price is competitive for a spirit of this quality . A positive is the 375 ML size bottle - you can use it up and not worry about it going south before you reach the end.
Website: http://www.wvwinery.com/index.php?p=american_fruits
Nice pictures, some information.
