Disclaimer
This brandy was provided by the producer at no cost. I was not compensated for this review and this did not impact the contents of this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
About the Producer
Copper and Kings of Louisville, KY is one of the most prominent craft brandy producers in the US. They go after a very bourbony profile with aging in ex-bourbon barrels and new charred oak and they are even on the KY Bourbon Trail. Copper and Kings uses exclusively pot distillation and never add anything to their brandy other than water. They use California grapes and ferment in CA and have the wines shipped to KY for distillation.
This is the entry level for their new revised core line up under their new ownership and replaces the old American Brandy SKU. I thought the old American Brandy was decent but lacked something; here the age is increased and the price decreased to an incredibly affordable $20. I’ve really been liking the direction Copper and Kings has been going and the single barrels they’ve been putting out but this is my first time trying anything from their new core lineup.
Details
- Made from 1/3 Chenin Blanc, 1/3 French Colombard and 1/3 Muscat of Alexandria.
- Aged 6 years in ex bourbon barrels
- 43% abv
- Double pot distilled
- No additives other than water.
- $20 per 750ml.
Nose
Slightly restrained nose but of what’s there orange oil dominates. Decent amount of hot apple cider and vanilla with traces of cut pine and nutmeg.
Palate
Orange rind and peel competes with apple cider for the spotlight on the taste with trace sof baking spices. Medium body, more than I was expecting for 43%, and an oily texture. Sweet. A very good fruit forward palate.
Finish
Medium and dry with dried oranges and cinnamon.
Rating: 6
Overall
A very solid, fruit forward brandy that gets away from the very bourbony profile Copper and Kings typically is known for. It won’t blow your mind but I definitely like this more than it’s predecessor and it’s an amazing value for $20.
1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.
2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.
3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.
4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but many things I’d rather have.
5 | Good | Good, just fine.
6 | Very Good | A cut above.
7 | Great | Well above average
8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.
9 | Incredible | An all time favorite
10 | Perfect | Perfect