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There’s something exceptional about sipping on a glass of smooth, aged brandy. Whether sitting back and relaxing at the end of the day, or tasting new brands at a special event, taking a few moments to savor each sip slowly can be a delightful experience.
If you’re looking for a new aged brandy, you may want to consider Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. This bold and flavorful spirit is made from grapes grown in California’s Central Valley and aged for five years in charred oak barrels.
In this article, I’ll provide an in-depth review of Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. and some tasting notes and pairing suggestions.
What is Christian Brothers Brandy V.S.?
Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. is a top-notch American brandy produced with the utmost care and attention to detail. Distilled in California since 1882, this aged spirit is crafted from light Palo Cortado Sherry and sweet Muscat wines. It’s then aged in American oak barrels to develop a complex blend of fruit and spice flavors.
When you pour yourself a glass, you can expect to taste notes of sherry, black cherry, marzipan, almonds, dark fruit, caramel, and oak wood, with a smooth finish that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
A Brief History of the Christian Brothers Brandy
Since 1882, the Christian Brothers have produced fine brandies in California’s Napa Valley. The makers of this iconic spirit are passionate about creating a premium tasting experience using the finest grapes and sustainably sourced ingredients. Their small-batch style of production ensures exceptional quality and flavor in every bottle.
The Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. is no exception—this iteration of the classic brandy has achieved 2023 vintage status, indicating its outstanding quality and flavor profile. This festive combination of aromas and flavors includes exotic spices, toasted nuts, orange blossom, and a hint of caramel on the finish. It’s truly an experience for all the senses!
How is Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. Made?
Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. is made using the time-honored pot still production method, which has been used to produce fine cognacs for centuries. The brandy is distilled using the copper pot still production method in the San Joaquin Valley.
The unique terroir allows for the production of American spirits with a unique flavor profile. American brandy is then aged in oak barrels to create its smooth and full-bodied taste in a brandy imbued with layers of well-balanced fruit flavors and a warm, inviting aroma.
The blending of several different varieties of fruit brandies creates a fruity bouquet and soft, round palate that come from Christian Brothers Brandy V.S., making it an excellent choice for those relishing a glass of Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. that is imbued with layers of well-balanced fruit flavors and a warm, inviting aroma.
Tasting Notes: Christian Brothers Brandy V.S.
Now for the part, you’ve been waiting for—the Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. tasting notes! This is one smooth, satisfying brandy that is sure to satisfy the discerning palate.
The aroma of this brandy is not too intense and has notes of dried fruits, honey, and butter, with a hint of spice in the background. It has a balanced flavor profile on the palate with hints of licorice, vanilla, butterscotch, and toasted oak. The finish is medium to long and finishes off with a pleasant sweetness.
If you want an exquisite sipping experience, Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. will not disappoint! Its complexity and sophisticated flavors make it a great addition to any liquor cabinet. So why not pick up a bottle today and enjoy this luxurious brandy?
Appearance: Golden Amber Hue
You’ll be delighted to find that Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. has a golden amber hue, indicative of its aging process of two years in oak barrels. This smooth and colorful drink is the complete package.
Aroma
The aroma bursts with dried fruit, leather, caramel, and vanilla. It’s sweet but not sugary, with no added artificial fragrances or flavors.
Taste
When you take a sip of this delightful beverage, you’ll find it to be light-bodied and smooth. The initial palate is slightly dry and woody from the barrels it was aged in, and it’s accented with notes of cinnamon and cloves for a unique flavor kick that lingers on the tongue for a few moments after each sip. The finish is especially noteworthy as it offers warm vanilla cinnamon-spiced notes for an all-encompassing experience.
All in all, Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. has an exquisite golden amber hue that draws you in from the moment you catch a glimpse of it from across the room—and the taste will keep you coming back for more when you experience its rich flavors!
Aroma: Dried Fruit, Vanilla, and Oak
Put your nose on the glass, and be prepared for a pleasant surprise. Christian Brothers V.S. Brandy is an aroma powerhouse with notes of dried fruit, like raisins and dates, along with hints of vanilla and oak. The depth of aroma changes as you go, with dark berries on one side of the spectrum, to sweet cherries and citrus on the other — all wrapped up in those subtle oak notes.
The aromas don’t just stay in the glass; they make the air around you feel warmer and more prosperous. For example:
- Dried fruit is prominent but not overwhelming, balancing out the other aromas nicely
- Vanilla gives off a soft sweetness that pairs well with dark berry notes
- Oak provides a subtle smoky layer that is gentle enough not to overpower any other aromas
It’s clear that Christian Brothers V.S. Brandy’s aromas are complex and exciting — making it an excellent choice for an evening sipper or a warm-up for more intense cocktails.
Palate: Smooth, Nutty, and Spicy
What flavors can you expect from a Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. glass? It is smooth and subtle on the palate, with nutty and spicy flavors lingering. You’ll get warm notes of toasted wood and hints of fresh-baked bread and honeyed fruit.
There’s also a hint of classic vanilla – something unique sets this brandy apart: it’s made with pure vanilla extract instead of imitation. This means you get the rich, full-bodied flavor that only comes from the best-quality vanilla beans.
Taking sip after sip, you’ll soon discover another interesting note in the mix: a sprinkling of ginger and clove spice, which give the brandy an almost warming sensation on your tongue – perfect for cold winter evenings!
You might even catch a whiff of sweet molasses, with a subtle hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in the background – all playfully mingling to create an irresistible combination.
Finish: Warm, Lingering Caramel
As the Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. enters the back of your mouth and goes down your throat, you taste its warm, lingering finish. It’s full of caramel, balanced with notes of toasty oak and baking spices, for a unique flavor profile that will surely please your palate.
Plus, the finish is quite long-lasting — you can expect the caramel flavors and tones to stay with you for a long time afterward. It has qualities you’d typically find in pricier bottles for something economical. So if it’s an enjoyable yet affordable brandy experience you’re looking for, Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. is worth a try!
Price
Last but certainly not least price. As one of the most popular and affordable brandy brands in the U.S., you might expect Christian Brothers V.S. to be on the low end of the pricing spectrum —and you’d be right!
It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a smooth, accessible brandy without breaking the bank.
In terms of value for money, Christian Brothers V.S. hits all the right notes—it delivers a robust and thoughtful flavor profile at an incredibly reasonable price point:
- 750ML bottle: Average retail price $10-15
- 1 Liter bottle: Average Retail price $14-18
- 1.75L bottle: Average retail price $23-27
Where to Buy
Now you must be wondering, where can I get some Christian Brothers Brandy V.S.? You can easily find it at many stores across the country; however, research local prices to ensure you’re getting the best value out of your purchase before you purchase.
There are also plenty of places online to buy Christian Brothers Brandy V.S., including:
- Retailers: You can buy Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. from any retailer like Walmart or Target. To save money on shipping and delivery fees, check out online retailers like Amazon or Drizly, which offer significant discounts and deals on popular alcohol brands such as Christian Brothers Brandy V.S.
- Bars and Restaurants: If you’re looking for a more social atmosphere while enjoying your drink, try out your local bars and restaurants that serve up Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. Note that prices will vary depending on your location and the establishment.
So whether it’s for a special occasion or just for yourself, head to your nearest store or look online for the best deals on Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. Enjoy!
Our Review
When it comes time to review this Christian Brothers brandy V.S., we’ve got plenty to say! Let’s start with the taste.
Aroma and Appearance
You’ll get a delightful and inviting aroma straight out of the bottle. Notes of honey & caramel, combined with subtle hints of oak, set the stage for us. When poured into a glass, the brandy has a deep amber color that is truly stunning to behold!
Taste Profile
The flavor profile is like taking a trip through a luxurious candy store. It starts smooth, with notes of honey, vanilla & brown sugar, before moving into more complex flavors like oak, cinnamon & nutmeg. The finish is long and satisfying, with hints of citrus and delightful smokiness lingering on your palate.
Overall, we highly recommend this Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. It’s perfect for sipping or cocktails! You won’t be disappointed—we guarantee it.
Recommendation
Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. is worth a sip! It’s a complex flavor; the smooth finish will make you return for more.
When you pour yourself a glass of Christian Brothers Brandy V.S., expect to get notes of caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of well-balanced and pleasing vanilla. The brandy pairs well with various dishes, from red meats to smoked cheeses.
If you’re looking for something new and different, try Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. You won’t be disappointed!
FAQ
You probably have questions about Christian Brothers Brandy V.S.; we’re here to answer them all!
What does “V.S.” mean?
“V.S.” stands for “Very Special,” meaning that the brandy was aged in oak barrels for at least two years.
Are there any other variants of Christian Brothers Brandy?
The Christian Brothers VSOP and XO variants are aged for extended periods in oak barrels. The VSOP must be aged for a minimum of four years, while the XO must be aged for a minimum of six years in oak barrels.
What type of cask was used to age this brandy?
The Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. was aged in American Oak casks and charred on the inside to impart flavor to the spirit.
Does this spirit contain added sugar or artificial flavors?
No, the Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. contains no added sugar or artificial flavors—it’s all natural!
Conclusion
Overall, the Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. is a great-tasting brandy with a smooth, balanced flavor, making it an ideal choice to enjoy neat or on the rocks. With its aromas of dried fruits, nuts, spices, and complex flavors of caramel, honey, and leather, this spirit offers an enjoyable drinking experience every time.
Being aged for four years in oak barrels, this brandy has a rich, mellow character that stands out among the many other spirits on the market. Whether you’re looking for an easy-drinking sipper or a special gift for a whiskey drinker, the Christian Brothers Brandy V.S. is a great place to start.
