Korbel 18 Year Old California Fine Aged Brandy

Korbel 18 Year Old California Fine Aged Brandy is a richly developed, age-stated American brandy that showcases deep oak integration, layered fruit character, and a smooth, refined palate. Its extended time in barrel positions it above younger brandies for contemplative sipping while still offering approachability and warmth.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced by F. Korbel & Bros., an artisanal California winery and distiller founded in 1882 with a long heritage of premium brandy production, this expression is part of the brand’s fine aged series. Crafted from 100 % California grapes—notably French Colombard from the Russian River Valley—Korbel 18 Year Old represents the culmination of meticulous dual-method distillation and careful barrel aging. Approximately one-third of the blend is distilled in traditional Alambic pot stills, imparting concentrated aromatic complexity, while the remaining two-thirds are distilled in copper-lined continuous column stills for purity and balance. After distillation, the spirit is matured for more than 18 years in seasoned French oak barrels previously used for Chardonnay, allowing deep oak influence to marry with fruit and spice. This extended aging, rare for California brandy, yields a nuanced, elegant profile that distinguishes it within the American fine brandy category.

Critics Reviews

There are no formal professional critic scores from major spirits publications specifically for Korbel 18 Year Old California Fine Aged Brandy. In spirits and brandy enthusiast circles, however, aged Korbel brandies are acknowledged for their depth and smoothness, distinguishing them from everyday California brandies through greater complexity and oak-driven nuance.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Deep amber aromatics with layered ripe orchard fruit, vanilla, toasted oak, and soft caramel, complemented by nuanced baking spice that hints at extended interaction with wood.

Palate:
Smooth and richly textured, unfolding with warm vanilla, butterscotch, honeyed oak, and subtle spice, interwoven with lively fruit notes and a gentle warmth that provides depth without heaviness.

Finish:
Long, refined, and warming—lingering with sweet oak, mellow spice, and soft fruit echoes that culminate in a clean, satisfying close.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

18 Year Old Brandy Old-Fashioned

• 2 oz Korbel 18 Year Old California Fine Aged Brandy

• 0.25 oz rich 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 accentuate bright oak and fruit notes.

Fine Aged Sidecar

• 1.5 oz Korbel 18 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 highlight citrus and oak complexity.