Distiller Notes
The high-quality California wine grapes in Germain-Robin XO showcase unique flavors and layered textures. The signature grape, Pinot Noir, provides a dark cherry character and a rich silky mouthfeel. Colombard distillate adds a fresh apple character while Sémillon provides richness with peach and apricot notes. The balance of both fruit and oak flavors is unique to Germain-Robin XO. The vanilla and toast flavors from the French oak complement the fruit which creates layers of complexity that only can be found from sourcing great fruit. The fermentation and distillation is driven with the goal of emphasizing fruit and mouthfeel and then paired with aging in select Limousin Oak Barrels. Texturally, the brandy is extremely smooth and has an incredibly long finish.
Proof: 80
Professional Ratings
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The Somm Journal
Deep aromas of caramel coffee resonate as notes of cigar leaf and walnut with a hint of earthy moss emerge on the palate. Minerality binds the flavors with a dash of black pepper. The long finish expresses black cherry, cedar, and cherry pith.
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Wine Enthusiast
This bold, complex brandy resounds with chocolate, dried cherry and spice on nose and palate. Each sip opens with delicate ginger, pink peppercorn and cinnamon, underscored by drying leather, walnut and unsweetened chocolate. Apricot leather lends a mouthwatering quality to the finish.
Taking its name from the Dutch term, brandewijn, for burnt or cooked wine, in the broadest sense of the term, Brandy is any liquor made from the distillation of fruit wine. Though any kind of fruit may be used, wine grapes are the most common. Clear Brandy, commonly referred to as Eau de Vie, is unaged and bottled directly after distillation. Finer grape-based Brandies are often aged in oak barrels for anywhere from two years (VS) to six years (XO) or longer, gradually gaining color and complexity as they interact with the wood.