Beverage of the Week (BOW)

E&J XO Extra Smooth American Brandy

Product Story

First of all — this is a serious Brandy and it's seriously good. I don't mean good by some demented, ironic hipster measure rather good in a real world this tastes phenomenal kind of way. It's also probably the greatest Brandy value on the planet. This is not Cognac nor does it try to be. As Cognac is made from juts one grape E&J crafts their Brandies from a selection of wine grapes that include: Barbera, Grenache, and Zinfandel as well as white grapes. The E&J XO is available everywhere and it should be in your liquor cabinet always.

Brand Story

The ink had barely dried on the 21st Amendment as Ernest & Julio Gallo (E&J – get it) had started their winery in California. By the 1960s Brandy consumption was up 400% since repeal and 75% of the Brandy was coming out of California. E&J Brandy was launched in 1968 (they have been making Brandy since 1938) and while wine sales dipped in the 70s and 80s Brandy sales soared. Today E&J simply makes some of the best Brandies for the dollar that you will find anywhere in the world. Most every consumer of alcohol spirits has seen these products on the shelves of our favorite liquor stores for years. Many have probably determined that since they are such a value that the spirit inside cannot be that good. I understand your skepticism but in this case we are actually the winner. A world-class product is being offered at a bargain price so pick it up with confidence and pride. Visit E&J XO official site

Tasting Note

Brilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are so complex and inviting offering scents of roasted nuts, old leather, dense fruitcake, caramel, baked apple, vanilla bean, and sweet oak. The palate echoes the aromatics in every respect delivering a rich and impossibly silky fruit-driven core with supporting spice, toffee, caramel, and oak notes that mingle and evolve with each sip. Medium to full-bodied with perfect balance and proportions as each generous sip begs for the next.

How to Serve

You can happily sip this wonderful Brandy neat, enjoy it over ice with soda, or in my favorite application, the Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned.

Price: $ 15.99

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