Korbel Brandy

Name: Korbel Brandy
Availability: InStock

750ml & 80 Proof

Korbel Brandy is a Brandy hailing from America.

What is Korbel Brandy?

Korbel Brandy, a staple in Wisconsin's beloved Old Fashioned cocktails, is actually produced in California's Russian River Valley. Despite its popularity in the Midwest, this brandy has never been distilled in Wisconsin, making it a curious example of regional adoption and flavor preference that transcends geographical origins.

Why do we love Korbel Brandy?

Korbel Brandy stands out as a uniquely American spirit, crafted in California since 1889 using locally grown grapes and a blend of pot and column still distillation methods. Unlike rum, which is made from sugarcane byproducts, Korbel Brandy offers cocktail enthusiasts a smooth, fruit-forward profile that's perfect for classic drinks like the Brandy Old Fashioned, a Midwestern favorite that's helped make Korbel the best-selling brandy in the United States.

How do you drink Korbel Brandy?

Korbel Brandy shines in classic cocktails that traditionally call for cognac, offering a smooth and approachable alternative that's perfect for sipping on cool autumn evenings. While enjoyable neat or over ice, this versatile spirit also pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes like roasted meats or rich, creamy desserts, making it a welcome addition to holiday gatherings and cozy dinner parties alike.

Discover some of our favorite recipes.

$17.99

Translation missing: en.products.product.tax_line_html

Tasting Notes

How It's Made

Fun Facts

Product Details

Nose: Vanilla and caramel dominate, with hints of oak and dried fruit. Light alcohol vapors carry a subtle nuttiness reminiscent of almonds.

Palate: Smooth and mellow with a medium body. Flavors of butterscotch and honey lead, followed by baked apple and cinnamon. A touch of raisin sweetness balances mild oak tannins.

Finish: Medium length with lingering warmth. Caramel and vanilla notes fade to a slightly dry, oaky conclusion. A faint peppery spice emerges at the very end.

Korbel Brandy is crafted using a blend of premium California grapes, which are fermented, distilled, and then aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two years. What's intriguing about their process is that Korbel uses a combination of both pot and column stills, allowing them to create a brandy with a unique flavor profile that balances fruity notes with subtle oak complexity.

Korbel Brandy outsells Hennessy Cognac in Wisconsin, with Wisconsinites consuming over half of all Korbel Brandy produced annually. This unexpected popularity has earned Wisconsin the nickname "The Brandy State."

Despite its name and California origins, Korbel Brandy was created by Czech brothers who immigrated to America in the 1800s. They initially started as redwood lumber producers before venturing into winemaking and eventually brandy distillation.

Korbel Brandy played a crucial role during Prohibition, as it was one of only six distilleries in the United States legally allowed to produce alcohol for medicinal purposes. Doctors would prescribe it to patients, helping the brand survive and thrive during this challenging period.

Main Ingredient: Wine
Country of Origin: California