Gillman Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 (edited) I want to draw attention to an outstanding product I tasted in Manhattan not long ago, a peach brandy from a New York State craft distiller, Dutch's Spirits. This outfit distills its products and the peach brandy is one of the best products I've encountered from the still-nascent craft spirits industry. It had a rich flavour of peach but the cask aging it receives (charred and toasted barrels are used) added a certain special quality: it wasn't whiskey but the aging treatment allies it to the fine whiskey tradition. The product struck me as having a good distillery character as well while avoiding the neutrality that comes with using a high proof off the still. Indeed, peach and apple brandies, i.e., liquors distilled from a mash of these fruits and sometimes aged as here, are an old American tradition. All the early whiskey texts treat of these as well as grain-based spirits. (Many here know the Laird's applejack products for example).The handsome label is just a bonus and for once the evocative, pre-Pro-type labelling meets its promise in the taste.http://dutchsspirits.com/products/I tasted mine at Birreria at Eataly, alongside a cask Saison of the house of a Sunday evening. Few moments in life are as perfect.Gary Edited October 2, 2013 by Gillman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squire Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Interesting stuff and yes, it does share in a long American distilling heritage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tanstaafl2 Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 I want to draw attention to an outstanding product I tasted in Manhattan not long ago, a peach brandy from a New York State craft distiller, Dutch's Spirits. This outfit distills its products and the peach brandy is one of the best products I've encountered from the still-nascent craft spirits industry. It had a rich flavour of peach but the cask aging it receives (charred and toasted barrels are used) added a certain special quality: it wasn't whiskey but the aging treatment allies it to the fine whiskey tradition. The product struck me as having a good distillery character as well while avoiding the neutrality that comes with using a high proof off the still. Indeed, peach and apple brandies, i.e., liquors distilled from a mash of these fruits and sometimes aged as here, are an old American tradition. All the early whiskey texts treat of these as well as grain-based spirits. (Many here know the Laird's applejack products for example).The handsome label is just a bonus and for once the evocative, pre-Pro-type labelling meets its promise in the taste.http://dutchsspirits.com/products/I tasted mine at Birreria at Eataly, alongside a cask Saison of the house of a Sunday evening. Few moments in life are as perfect.GaryHave you had a chance to try Kuchan Peach Brandy from California?http://oldworldspirits.com/ohenry.htmlhttp://oldworldspirits.com/images/presstradedocs/Barrel%20Aged%20Peach%20Brandy%20-%20K&L.pdfIf I remember I can bring it to the Sampler and we can compare! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gillman Posted October 2, 2013 Author Share Posted October 2, 2013 Haven't had the Kuchan, excellent idea Bruce, let's do that! I will be in NYC again, early in January, and will try to get a bottle of the Dutch's Peach Brandy. Apparently there is little left even now, but I hope to find some nonetheless.The only other fruit spirit that really impressed me was brought to Gazebo a year or two ago, I think it was from Michigan, from another farm distillery. It had a soft rounded taste, delicious drink.Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tanstaafl2 Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Haven't had the Kuchan, excellent idea Bruce, let's do that! I will be in NYC again, early in January, and will try to get a bottle of the Dutch's Peach Brandy. Apparently there is little left even now, but I hope to find some nonetheless.The only other fruit spirit that really impressed me was brought to Gazebo a year or two ago, I think it was from Michigan, from another farm distillery. It had a soft rounded taste, delicious drink.GaryJust be sure to remind me!I will keep an eye out for the Dutch's as well. It is currently listed on both Astor and Drink Up NY which both will ship to me. Doubt if it is in Georgia as it appears to be just the NY area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gillman Posted October 2, 2013 Author Share Posted October 2, 2013 I had bought a bunch of stuff at Astor but only tasted this after and didn't get a chance to go back.If they have two things I want in January I'll get them: this peach brandy and James Pepper Rye 15 years old.Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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