A Somerset Cider Brandy Masterpiece

Somerset Cider Brandy Kingston Black is a high-quality English apple brandy made by the Somerset Cider Brandy Company, located in the heart of the West Country, an area famous for its apple orchards. This particular expression is crafted primarily from the Kingston Black apple, one of the most renowned cider apple varieties in the UK, prized for its complex flavor profile and balance of acidity, sweetness, and tannins.

Key Points:

• Base Ingredient: The Kingston Black apple, which is considered one of the best cider apple varieties in the world. It has a unique combination of sharp acidity and bittersweetness, which gives the brandy its distinct character.
• Distillation Process: The cider made from Kingston Black apples is fermented and then distilled into a spirit, similar to how other brandies like Calvados are made. The distillation takes place in traditional copper pot stills.
• Aging: After distillation, the cider brandy is typically aged in oak barrels. This aging process gives the brandy its deep, complex flavors, often imparting notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.

Tasting Notes:

• Color: Rich golden amber, the result of the aging process in oak barrels.
• Nose: A fruity bouquet with ripe apple notes, accompanied by hints of wood, spice, and vanilla.
• Palate: A full-bodied profile with layers of crisp apple flavors, warming spice, and a subtle sweetness. The finish tends to be smooth, with the oak influence lingering.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Cheese: Pairs wonderfully with strong cheeses like cheddar, stilton, or mature farmhouse cheeses.
• Charcuterie: The brandy also works well alongside cured meats, such as prosciutto or salami.
• Desserts: A great match with apple-based desserts like tarte tatin, or even a rich fruit cake.

About Somerset Cider Brandy Company:

The Somerset Cider Brandy Company was founded in 1989 and is known for producing premium cider brandies, often using traditional methods and local apple varieties. Their brandies have received international recognition for quality and craftsmanship, with the Kingston Black being one of their flagship products.

If you’re a fan of brandy or cider, this offering showcases the best of both worlds, combining the richness of aged brandy with the distinct, fresh apple flavors of a traditional cider apple.