St. George California Reserve Apple Brandy

St. George California Reserve Apple Brandy is a finely aged American apple brandy—rich, aromatic, and vibrant—with the warmth of baked apples, spice, honey, and oak. Each sip feels like savoring a slice of apple pie around a cozy hearth.

🍏 Origins & Craft

• Field‑blend apples from a Mendocino County orchard—over a dozen varieties, including Fall Pippin, Granny Smith, McIntosh and more—cold-fermented and double pot-distilled with fresh fruit in copper stills

• Aging ranges from 2–11 years across a mix of casks: used American whiskey barrels, used French and American wine barrels, with occasional finishing in select barrels—blends in reserves from previous releases for depth

👃 Aromatics

• Nose: Inviting notes of crisp orchard cider, pastry crust, lemon zest, crème brûlée, apple blossom, and mulling spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove) 

👄 Palate

• Flavor profile: A luscious mix of buttery apple pie, honeyed clover, and stewed apples, layered with vanilla, toast, and oak spice. A bright minty or clove nuance finishes the sip 

• Texture: Medium-bodied and smooth, with balanced sweetness, tartness, and tannin—a crisp yet comforting brandy experience 

🔚 Finish

• Long and warming, echoing caramelized apple, oak, and gentle spice—finishing with a delicate nutty or amaretto-like note .

🎯 Accolades & Perspectives

• 90 points by Wine Enthusiast for its floral (apple blossom, carnation), almond, cream soda, and spice complexity 

• Described by Master of Malt as “loads of sweet, stewed apples, generous cinnamon dusting, toasty oak, honey, and vanilla cream” 

• Whisky & Spirits Magazine lauds its “tart red apple juiciness, minerality, and amaretto-like nuttiness” 

• Reddit reviewers highlight its harmonious balance and gentle American‑style charm, noting a sweet‑spicy palate with medium body 

🥂 How to Enjoy

• Neat or with a piece of pie – sensational sipper after dinner

• Cocktail friendly – elevates classics like Jack Rose, Sidecar, or a Brandy Old Fashioned

• Serve: Slightly warmed or at room temp in a tumbler or Glencairn for full aromatic pleasure

✅ Final Take

St. George’s California Reserve is one of the most accomplished American apple brandies available—bold enough for brandy lovers, yet inviting for newcomers. With its orchard-fresh aroma, luscious pie-like flavors, and thoughtful barrel craft, it’s well worth seeking out as both a sipping treat and elegant cocktail base.