Hotaling 21 Year Old Apple Brandy

An ultra-refined, elegantly aged apple brandy, Hotaling 21 Year Old offers a remarkable depth of fruit character, refined oak integration, and a smooth, contemplative finish. Matured patiently for over two decades, it balances luscious orchard richness with quietly polished texture—an exceptional spirit for sipping neat or with thoughtful pairings.

"Made with California apples and aged over 21 years in French oak, this is a surprisingly lively and taut apple brandy. Expect fresh and juiced apple and racy Granny Smith acidity. The finish is long and mouthwatering, with ginger and prickly white pepper sparks slicked with a gloss of vanilla. " Wine Enthusiast 91 Points

Origins & Craftsmanship
Crafted by Hotaling & Co., a storied San Francisco spirits house with roots in historic American distillation, this 21-year-old apple brandy exemplifies the art of long maturation. Made from premium apples sourced for vibrant flavor and aromatic purity, the base spirit is distilled to retain expressive fruit character before entering an extended aging regimen.

The brandy rests for 21 years in oak barrels, where time gently rounds and deepens the spirit. The prolonged barrel interaction mellows raw edges while coaxing out layers of complexity—vanilla, spice, and seasoned wood—while preserving the essence of ripe apple. This lengthy maturation builds layered nuance without sacrificing clarity or liveliness, resulting in a spirit that feels both richly developed and beautifully balanced.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Inviting and complex, with rich aromas of baked apple, pear, dried apricot, and honeyed orchard fruit, accented by warm vanilla, toasted oak, and a hint of cinnamon spice.

Palate:
Velvety and expansive, unveiling layered flavors of caramelized apple, ripe pear, subtle citrus peel, and gentle baking spice. Oak-derived notes of toffee, vanilla bean, and sweet wood spice interplay with fruit brightness and a touch of nutmeg.

Finish:
Long, warm, and graceful, with lingering orchard fruit, warm oak, and soft spice that taper to a refined, contemplative close.

Quick Overview