Maker: St. Julian, Paw Paw , Michigan, USA
Grapes: Chardeonnay, Pinot Gris, Vidal Clanc.
Place of origin: Michigan, USA.
Age: NAS
ABV: 40%
Note: Aged in Michigan, and French oak.
Michigan state minimum: $46
Appearance: Light copper.
Nose: Light. Raisins, leather, toasted almonds.
Palate: Semi-sweet, medium bodied. Vanilla, grape soda, toasted French oak.
Finish: Juicy and hot.
Parting words: When I first opened this brandy, I didn’t like it at all. I was reluctant to even review it, because I didn’t know if I wanted to post something that might serve as discouragement to Michigan brandy-makers. You see, I’ve been begging, pleading, and whining about Michigan brady for years now, and I didn’t want to complain about one of the few Michigan brandies currently being made!
I’m glad I didn’t review this brandy right when I opened it because it’s grown on me since then. It’s still not making any of my favorites lists, but it was pretty good mixed, and once I got past the sweetness, it was actually pretty good in a snifter.
A & G Reserve is not going to blow anyone away, but it’s a nice step up for someone used to Christian Borhters or Martell VS. It’s a little expensive for a mixing brandy but it does well mixed. It might make an interesting alternative to bourbon or rum in eggnog, too.
The standard craft distilling mark-up applies here, so I can’t really sneeze at $46. A & G Michigan Brandy Reserve is recommended.
Sipology 