Germain-Robin XO California Brandy
Wood spice and a hint of orange zest are the opening aromas on this limited edition bottling. The palate offers a calming warmth, but is not overpowering. With accent notes of freshly split coconut, dried Morello cherries and a bit of rancio you're falling into familiar brandy territory. This is a great bottle that harkens to the bold era when these pioneers set out on the American spirits frontier.
While driving up Highway 101 over 30 years ago, Ansley Coale picked up a random hitchhiker. His name was Hubert Germain-Robin, a descendant (dating back to 1782) of the Jules Robin Cognac family. They discussed how the art of distillation was dying due to the industrialization of Cognac and decided to embark on a parthership that would bring a hand-operated alambic still and the fine art of making artisan brandy to the U.S. After years of perfecting their "craft-method" of premium grape selection, distillation and barrel aging, they now hold the largest cellar of old brandies in the U.S., which has given them all the ingredients to produce spectacular blends that not only rival, but surpass the icons of Cognac.