For the 40th episode, I thought I would do a taste off between the two Stillhead Distillery apple brandies that I have. Amazingly similar but different. Love this product from them. The first is heavy vanilla in the finish while the second gives strong tannic apple, floral notes and spice.
#1 Apple Brandy
Alcohol - 40% / 80 proof
Color - Deep burnt orange
Nose - Stewed apple, maple syrup and oak
Taste - Stewed apples, maple syrup, subtle oak but punches of vanilla with hints of spice
Finish - Round with deep cooked apple, maple syrup and subtle oak
Best Enjoyed - Neat or in a cocktail calling for calvados
#2 Apple Brandy
Alcohol - 40% / 80 proof
Color - Medium copper orange
Nose - Burnt maple, spicy oak and complex apple
Taste - Complex apple, brighter tones than the first, more broad apple profile, skin, pulp and floral apple blossoms. The maple is subdued but the spicy rye barrel comes through moreso.
Finish - Bright complex apple flavors with spicy oak and hints of burnt maple
Best Enjoyed - Neat or in a cocktail calling for calvados