About the Producer
Finger Lakes Distilling is a NY farm distillery located in the, surprise surprise, Finger Lakes region of New York. The distillery first started production in 2008 and have been producing a whole range of spirits. Their major claim to fame are their McKenzie line of whiskeys that go into the barrel at a very low entry proof, 100 proof vs the standard 125.
In addition to the their whiskeys they have a whole line of brandies including a grape, pear, grappa and this apple brandy. I’ve previously enjoyed their grape brandy so I was excited to see how this turns out.
Details
- Double distilled using a column still and thumper similar to a bourbon.
- Fermented and distilled from a blend of NY apples
- Fermented in open top fermentors.
- Aged for 4 years in ex-bourbon barrels from the distillery
- 42% abv.
Nose
Crisp tartness. Very delicate; too delicate. Vanilla and coconut. Very little apple. Slight bit of astringency.
Palate
Very similar to the nose. More crisp tartness. Apple is there but surprisingly subdued. Light and delicate with plenty of vanilla. Flavors are decent but the texture is not; feels sharp and astringent. Very little distillate character or apple character; seems like the overwhelming flavor comes from the barrel.
Finish
Short and dry. Some apple
Rating: 4
Overall
I’m disappointed in this one. It reminds me of an immature scotch grain whisky or column distilled rum in that there is very little character from the spirit. That can work but it needs some decent age for it to be good. Right now this a pass but don’t be turned off from this distillery; I have really liked their rye and grape brandy.
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
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