Etude XO Alambic Brandy

Absolutely amazing. This and Germain-robin are the standard for American brandy. Honey soaked figs, white peach, verjus, light caramel. Looooong finish with fresh leather, honey & deep plum.

A small batch production of the Pinot Noir brandy with a blissful aromatic nose and a rich, golden tan honey color. On the palate, sweet notes of boozy caramel, butterscotch, toasted nuts, dried apricot fruit. I am told that the remaining brandy stock (Quality Extraordinary) was purchased by the Etude winery. What a find! This is an outstanding Alambic Brandy, as good, probably better than any of the domestic competition. I can't understand why Remy Martin sold the RMS distillery, …

Truly outstanding. Cannot sample it or have it shipped from Etude winery. They don’t have a liquor license. As a result, it’s a well-kept secret. Easily the finest brandy I’ve had anywhere. Most brandy is sickening sweet. This is not. Sweet notes, but light and smooth finish. Velvety tongue and makes a great after-dinner sipper. Dryer and finer than most brandies, and smoother and softer than fine scotch. It’s repeating myself, but it’s just outstanding! With a great back-story. One …

Average age of 24 years. Limousine oak.No caramel etc. Casks were bought from the now defunct RMS (Remy Martin Schramsberg colab). So unfortunately this will never be again distilled, nevertheless a really cool piece of California beverage history. Such depth but still light almost mistaken as sweet at first for it's notes of strawberry. Continued with trail mix and floral notes. Really eye opening.