Shady Knoll Apple Brandy (375mL)
Shady Knoll Apple Brandy (375mL)
Shady Knoll allows their apple juice to ferment naturally (without the addition of any yeast or other additives) for six to nine months (a classic technique in the Normandy region of France to produce Calvados).
This Apple Brandy is double distilled in Shady Knoll's French alembic Charentais pot still in order to enhance its flavor and proof. They then age it for at least three and one-half years in new toasted American oak barrels and then finish it for four additional months in premium used Portuguese Madeira barrels.
The nose and taste of their Apple Brandy reflects the terroir and complexity of the distillery's homegrown apples, the multiple flavors from their toasted oak barrels and the rich smoothness of their Maderia wine barrels.
Shady Knoll Apple Brandy won the Double Gold Medal at Fifty Best’s 2021 Best Apple Brandy Competition.
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- Elliot G.Verified BuyerRated 3 out of 5 starsMay 10, 2024Shady Knoll Apple Brandy
Shady Knoll Apple Brandy is clearly well-made, but falls short due to its low proof. Its nose is wonderful, presenting clean fresh apples first, then developing into a haze of fine cider. On the palate, the spirit is competent but subtle. Initially, I could only taste delicate sweet vanilla and light oak, but with time the apple and cider flavors grew, though, never too great. Shady Knoll's finish is its best moment. The finish endures and develops for a few minutes after each sip and reveals intense pome fruit, vanilla, and floral notes. This brandy is special, which is expected considering the cider used to make the distillate was fermented naturally, open to the air, for several months (if I read the producer's website correctly). The only issue is that what was there wasn't there enough to satisfy. If this spirit was bumped up even just to 43% I imagine it would fare far better. In any case, I'm going to keep an eye on Shady Knoll and very well may purchase again in the future, and when I do, I'll use ForWhiskeyLovers ;) (4+/10)
AromaRated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5Smells like Whiskey An abundance of aromasMouthfeelRated -1.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2dry/austere soft/creamy luscious/full bodiedPalateRated 3.0 on a scale of 1 to 5simple/ straightforward complex / layeredPeaty/ SmokyRated -2.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2Not a hint/whiff perfect amount of smoke Whoa! Where's the fire?FinishRated 2.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2Left without saying goodbye Didnt overstay its welcome The gift that keeps givingDrinkabilityRated 1.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2Small tongue-torturing sips I Like It! I'll drink it whenever I canPrice & ValueRated 3.0 on a scale of 1 to 5Buy a bottle for VERY Special Occasions I'll take a caseLikelihood to purchase againRated 0.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2Meh, not so much... Sure, why not! Is the distillery hiring?Was this helpful? - Alexander M.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsApr 15, 2024The flavor of passion!!!
Very happy with this complex and delicious apple brandy. The purchase and delivery process was easy and convenient. This Sweet and funky brand has a beautifully rich apple aroma and a long finish that satisfies the palette. I hope to visit the orchard someday and check out the production process. Thanks!
AromaRated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5Smells like Whiskey An abundance of aromasMouthfeelRated 2.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2dry/austere soft/creamy luscious/full bodiedPalateRated 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5simple/ straightforward complex / layeredPeaty/ SmokyRated -2.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2Not a hint/whiff perfect amount of smoke Whoa! Where's the fire?FinishRated 2.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2Left without saying goodbye Didnt overstay its welcome The gift that keeps givingDrinkabilityRated 2.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2Small tongue-torturing sips I Like It! I'll drink it whenever I canPrice & ValueRated 3.0 on a scale of 1 to 5Buy a bottle for VERY Special Occasions I'll take a caseLikelihood to purchase againRated 1.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2Meh, not so much... Sure, why not! Is the distillery hiring?Was this helpful?
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