Korbel 12 Year Old California Fine Aged Brandy

Korbel 12 Year Old California Fine Aged Brandy is a thoughtfully matured American grape brandy that bridges everyday accessibility with enhanced oak-driven depth. With a minimum dozen years in barrel, it offers richer complexity, smoother integration of wood influence, and a pronounced fruit-forward yet refined profile that suits relaxed sipping or classic brandy cocktails.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced by F. Korbel & Bros., a historic Sonoma County producer with roots in California wine and brandy going back to 1882, this expression showcases premium California brandy craftsmanship. Korbel’s brandies begin with carefully selected California grapes that are fermented and distilled into grape brandy. For this 12-year expression, the distillate is aged for at least 12 years in charred Appalachian oak barrels, allowing extended interaction between spirit and wood that yields mellow oak character and depth rarely found in younger brandies. Artisan blending and barrel selection ensure balance across fruit, oak, and spice layers. Korbel remains one of the few major U.S. brandy makers maintaining close control over its distillation and barrel aging processes.

Critics Reviews

There are no formal professional critic scores from major spirits publications specifically for Korbel 12 Year Old California Fine Aged Brandy. Nonetheless, independent tasters and brandy enthusiasts appreciation centers on its smooth maturity and fruit-forward richness, with many noting that its proof and age lend it more complexity than typical American brandies in the same range.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Inviting aromas of ripe orchard fruit, brown sugar, and toasted oak lead the bouquet, reflecting extended barrel aging and the influence of charred American oak.

Palate:
Rich and layered, the palate presents apple and fig nuances, coupled with butterscotch, warm spice, and mellow oak tannins that provide structure without harshness.

Finish:
Warm and of medium length, with lingering sweet fruit echoes and soft oak spice that taper to a pleasing, balanced close.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

12-Year Brandy Old-Fashioned

• 2 oz Korbel 12 Year Old California Fine Aged Brandy

• 0.25 oz demerara syrup

• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
  Stir with ice, strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube; garnish with an orange twist to highlight citrus and oak nuances.

Aged Brandy Sidecar

• 1.5 oz Korbel 12 Year Old California Fine Aged Brandy

• 0.75 oz orange liqueur

• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
  Shake with ice and fine strain into a chilled coupe; garnish with a lemon twist to enhance fruit and spice interplay.