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Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Brandy Gifts
On Monday, I recommended some whiskey gifts. Now, it's on to brandy.
One of the best spirits I tasted this year was the Eric Bordelet Selection Calvados distilled by Henri Bernard Beudin, an 18 year old monster of an apple brandy with huge notes of oak, apple and spice. At $115 to $130 for a half bottle, it's expensive, but if you're splurging for a brandy, this is the one to get.
At an easier price point is Copper & Kings' Butchertown Brandy ($60), a powerhouse brandy from a Kentucky producer that is blending sourced brandies. They also have a lower proof American Small Batch Brandy ($35) and an apple brandy ($40), though I haven't tried either of those yet.
The Domaine de Maouhum and Domaine de Jean-Bon Armagnacs from K&L that I reviewed last week are amazing deals and an easy gift for any brandy lover. Go Maohum for spice and Jean-Bon for fruit.
Happy holidays!
Next week: The Much Awaited Sku Awards!
Based on your notes I purchased both the '87 Jean-Bon and the '97 Beudin Calvados. Couldn't be happier! Thanks for the year-round effrot you give to share these tasting experiences with your readers, Sku. You're the best! Happy Holidays.
ReplyDelete1 day sale on many french brandies at Astor, including the Bordelet selection: http://www.astorwines.com/SearchResultsSingle.aspx?p=2&search=33642&searchtype=Contains
ReplyDeleteIs the Bordelet value proposition in line with other top notch calvados? I.E. vis-a-vis Camut 12yr?
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to compare since it's not exactly apples to apples (pun intended), but the Bordelet is a half bottle of 18 year old Calvados at cask strength for around $130 (though I've seen it on sale for $95). Camut 18 year old is a full bottle at 80 proof for $150, but the Bordelet is a single cask, and the Camut comes out regularly.
ReplyDelete