About the Producer
The Huber family vineyard and orchards has been operating for several generations and today spans over 700 acres. The winery purchased a small Carl still in 2000, beginning the Starlight Distillery, and began distilling brandies. In 2013 the distillery started producing whiskey which is what they are now known for. They’ve put out a huge number of barrel picks for various liquor stores and bourbon groups; seems like almost every one I step into has at least one, sometimes four or five. Today I’m going back to the distillery’s roots and am trying one of their brandies. In addition to their Private Reserve brandy they have a cheaper single distilled brandy and several fruit and apple brandies.
Details
• 40% abv.
• From estate grown grapes.
• Aged 10yrs in new and used 90 gal French oak barrels.
• Double pot distilled.
• Got for $80 per 750ml.
Nose
Red wine and fresh mixed berries. Tannins and Pine shavings. Hints of leather and a bit of spice. Dry and delicate.
Palate
Red berries and tannins again. Initially feels light and refreshing then transforms to syrupy on the back palate. Bit of caramel and toasted oak. Bit of grassiness. Feel is tannic and a bit chalky. A perfectly good brandy.
Finish
Medium. Sweet berries and some spiciness.
Rating: 5
Overall
A good brandy but not great. Like many 40% brandies, I wish this was at a higher proof since it’s pretty delicate. I enjoyed this bottle but I won’t pick up another one.
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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