You can trace the origins of distilling brandy all the way back to the 15th century. Originally created as an after-dinner beverage, the drink has since made its way to more than just the dinner table; it’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon sip out on the porch or a late-night drink at your local neighborhood drinking establishment. Although not known for producing brandy the Northwest has several distilleries that craft notable versions of the fruit-mashed liqueur.
Clear Creek Distillery Williams Pear Brandy || Portland, OR
Since 1985 Clear Creek Distillery has been producing some of the finest brandies and grappas in the Pacific Northwest, including the Williams Pear Brandy. Bartlett pears taken from the Hood River Valley are crushed and fermented in German-made pot stills. After the fermentation process is complete the brandy exhibits a strong pear flavor with a characteristically smooth sip. Clear Creek Distillery recommends serving this eau de vie de poire chilled.
Brandy Peak Distillery Muscat Brandy || Brookings, OR
This brandy is different than your classic eau de vie de poire. The Muscat is a Marc Brandy. Marc Brandy is distilled from the pomace of grapes left over after they have been pressed for winemaking. This Marc Brandy embodies notes of citrus with generous hints of natural sweetness. Hurry and get your hands on this bottle as fast as you can – it is only stocked in a limited quantity.
Stone Barn Brandyworks Cherry Brandy || Portland, OR
Keeping in step with most in the Northwest craft beverage movement, Stone Barn Brandyworks uses only locally sourced Northwest fruits and grains when distilling their brandies and liqueurs. Stone Barn offers a wide variety of beverages, from seasonal spirits to year-round classics. The Cherry Brandy is a seasonal spirit with a deep ruby red hue and it is apparent from the first sip that cherry is the star. The cherry flavor is strong throughout the drinking experience, from the first rest on the palate to the aftertaste. Some other highlights of Stone Barn’s include the Red Wing Coffee Liqueur and the Cranberry Liqueur.
Black Heron Spirits Brandy || West Richland, WA
Located near Red Mountain in West Richland, Washington, Black Heron Spirits produces a plethora of small batch spirits. From vodka to whiskey, moonshine to brandy, the crew at Black Heron offers multiple options for the spirit lover. A true stand-out among their products is their brandy. Crafted from Pinot Noir grapes and aged in port barrels, this brandy promises a memorable drinking experience. From its amber color to its delightful aroma of white wine and chocolate, this brandy is one to kick back with at Black Heron’s tasting room, currently the only place it can be enjoyed.
It’s 5 Artisan Distillery Pluot Brandy || Cashmere, WA
It is common to find both apricot and plum brandies. It is a bit more interesting to find a mix of the two. Furthermore, it is extremely exciting to find and enjoy the perfect mix of the two. It’s 5 Artisan Distillery crafts this perfect mix a little outside of the box. The Pluot Brandy noticeably exhibits both hints of plum and apricot and it isn’t too strong on either side – just the right balance. If you want to experience two ingredients working together in perfect harmony, add this brandy to your liquor cabinet.
