About the Producer
St Julian Winery and Distillery is the largest and likely oldest operating winery in MI. It first started by Mariano Meconi in Ontario, Canada in 1921 during prohibition and was moved to it’s current location in Paw Paw, MI soon after repeal. It’s name was changed several times before it took it’s current St. Julian name in 1941. In addition to a winery they claim to be the oldest operating distillery in MI making several different rums, vodkas, whiskeys and of course brandies. This brandy I’m reviewing today is their flagship 8yr brandy that you should be able to get at any of their tasting rooms.
Details
- 40% abv
- aged 8 years in American, Hungarian and French oak.
- Distilled in Carl brandy stills
- Fermented and distilled from Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Vidal Blanc grapes.
- $45
Nose
Buttered popcorn and peaches. Decent fruitiness. Some toasted oak. Medium intensity.
Palate
Again very buttery tasting like a buttery and oaky chardonnay. Fruitiness from peaches and nectarines. Light toasted oak and cedar wood. Traces of black pepper. Medium body and weight, medium flavor intensity and some complexity. Better than I expected for 40%. I like this a lot actually.
Finish
Short to medium with butter and peaches
Rating: 6
Overall
A very good brandy, I think the underlying wine comes through in a good way. I’m surprised how buttery it is but that’s not a bad think as I like buttery chardonnay, my favorite type of white wine. Would recommend picking up if you are in the area.
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
Leave a Reply