Review by: Raygun

Pretty much what it says on the tin. Apply brandy distilled by Clear Creek and aged for 15 years in Limousin oak. Selected by the Aficionados group. Had some Calvados, but not American apple brandy before. Rested about 10 minutes.

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Distillery: Clear Creek

Bottler: Clear Creek

Region/style: American apple brandy

ABV: 52.3%. Surely cask strength.

Age: 15 years

Cask type: New and used Limousin oak. Since this is a single cask, I’m at a loss whether it’s new or used. Cask #409.

Color: 1.5 auburn

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Nose: Apples, plain as day. Also some furniture polish and a good amount of oak. A touch of yeast or something that reminds me of a Belgian dark ale. 

Palate: That’s lovely. Fall in a sip. As the nights get colder, this hits just right. Cider with mulling spice. Lots of caramel. Touches of leather. There’s again a bit of furniture polish or maybe varnish. An effect of the oak I suppose. I get that Belgian ale feel again. 

Finish: It is again big and oaky. Apples, leather, even a hint of orange zest. Doused with caramel. Manageably tannic; I don’t find the oak overbearing. Furniture polish/varnish once more. Very thick. 

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Conclusion: Very rich and tasty. It is strongly oaky, which makes me suspect it was a new oak cask. Can’t miss the apples, and along with the spice it has a nice spiced cider or apple pie character. Fits very well with early fall. Hits just right.  

Buy a bottle? Not sure it’s still around, but it’s a good one.

Score: 83

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent brandy worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.