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Have I had brandy before? I do not recall something being referred to as a brandy that I have reviewed, and there's no label for it, but I am seeing that there are many different types of fruit-distilled liquors that fall into the category of brandy. I know I have sampled cognac before, and it appears that is a brandy, so I have. I did not review grappa, but I'm pretty sure I tasted it, and I have wanted to try Armagnac ever since I heard the very French-sounding name.
Other than being lighter in color than other brown liquors I have had many samples of, this is virtually indistinguishable from them based solely on color. The aroma reflects the significant 40% ABV, but I definitely smell fruits above the alcohol. Maybe this will be my thing instead of whiskey, which I have tried to like and only occasionally succeeded at.
First sip reminds me more of moonshine than it does whiskey. Whiskey is more demure than this, even though it is quite boisterous in its own right. This does bring the Kentucky hug, and I can appreciate that, but I expected the fruits to be more of a mitigating factor in all this. Instead, the alcohol is running the show, but that's the first sip of the first time I've had something that is branded as just brandy, so I'll give it a few more sips before coming to a conclusion.
Subsequent sips reveal a grape front end with the burning still possessing the back end, but it's not quite as irksome as moonshine can be. As a result, it's not a terrible beverage, but it's not one I will likely drink straight again. I think, much like my preference for most whiskeys, I will look to add ice to future attempts so as to improve their chances of getting good reviews.
Bottom Line: Not as bad as bad moonshine. Not as good as good whiskey.
2.25/5
