Top Picks for Dark Brandy

Brilliant light gold color. Attractive aromas and flavors of fresh pannetone, vanilla honey buttercream on graham cracker, nougat and candy corn, and banana custard pie with a silky, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, intricate, long finish with notes of creamy toasted meringue, caramelized stone fruits, and delicate spices finish. A wonderfully creamy and effortlessly drinkable brandy that will appeal to wine drinkers.

Awards: 2017 Best Dark Brandy

Light gold color. Attractive, fruity, floral aromas and flavors of varnished wood, leather and tea leaves, caramelized roasted nuts and dried fruits, and geranium pear and melon with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, nuanced, medium-long finish with nuances of rich spices, minerals, and creme brulee finish. A vibrantly delicious brandy with great flavor and texture.

Light gold color. Attractive aromas and flavors of nougat, honeyed stone fruits and banana, white chocolate cookie, and lemon custard cake with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, long finish with nuances of apricot marmalade, sandalwood, baking spices, and sweet cream finish. A silky, satisfying brandy with a rich core of fruit.

Brilliant amber color. Aromas and flavors of leather bound cedar cigar box, peach-mango chutney, cracked peppercorns, nutmeg, and allspice, and fruitcake with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, medium-long finish revealing notes of oak and tobacco, brown spices, honey cream, and minerals and earth finish. A robust, spicy, very oak-influenced brandy for contemplative sipping or cigars.

Dark copper color. Spicy, woody aromas and flavors of leather chair, dried fruits, chestnut honey, and pepper with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, engaging, medium-length finish revealing accents of conditioned leather, spiced raisins, cola, and mossy earth finish. A nice woody brandy that will play nice nicely in whiskey cocktails.

Medium amber color. Fruity, toasty aromas and flavors of salty roasted nuts, caramelized fruits, and leather with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, appealing, crisp finish with shades of mocha, spiced nuts, and sandalwood finish. A smooth and flavorful aged brandy that will be very versatile.

Brilliant amber color. Savory, umami aromas and flavors of salty nuts and olives, conditioned leather, raisins in balsamic, and brown butter with a supple, bright, dryish medium-to-full body and a tingling, intriguing, medium-length finish displaying impressions of oak, browns spices, cola float with mocha gelato, and mossy earth finish. A woody, spicy brandy for cigars or cocktails.

Rich dark amber color. Aromas of vanilla, fruit salad, and dark fruit jam with a lightly tannic, soft, fruity medium body and a tingling, snappy dried cherries, whiskey barrel, charred nuts, and light iodine finish. A solid brandy with gifting potential.

Medium gold color. Earthy aromas and flavors of leather, polished cedar, and dry raisin toast with a soft, crisp, dry light-to-medium body and a warming, compelling, medium-long finish with notes of dried citrus and herbs, straw and tobacco, and vanilla finish. A very interesting dry, rustic, and woody brandy reminiscent of an old Armagnac.

Rich dark amber color. Aromas of caramel, dried berries, fig spread on toast, and iced tea with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium body and a polished, interesting, medium-long vanilla, peanut butter bon bon, orange marmalade, and leather finish. A lovely brandy for sipping and swirling.