Review: Brightonwoods Apple Brandy
Brightonwoods Apple Brandy was introduced May 2019. Unlike E&J and Christian Brothers who make their apple brandy from a grape base, Brightonwoods Apple Brandy is distilled entirely from Brightonwoods Orchard apples. With over 200 heirloom apple varieties Wisconsin’s Brightonwoods Orchard is the perfect source for their apples. Brightonwoods Apple Brandy is crafted at Great Lakes Distillery in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Great Lakes Distillery was Wisconsin’s first new distillery to open since Prohibition when Guy Rehorst opened the doors in 2004. Only one Wisconsin distillery returned after Prohibition, First National Distilling went back to distilling gin for a brief period until they realized producing yeast was more profitable. They changed their name to Red Star Yeast and they are still making yeast today. Great Lakes Distillery currently produces Vodka, Gin, Rum, Whiskey, Liqueurs, Absinthe, and Brandy. In crafting Brightonwoods Apple Brandy a few carefully selected apple varieties are distilled using a custom Arnold Holstein copper pot still. The brandy is then aged for over two years in new charred oak barrels, and used bourbon barrels. The brandy is not chill filtered prior to bottling at 90 proof. Read more 
Review: Ciroc VS French Brandy
Ciroc VS French Brandy was released in New York City June 18, 2018. The brandy was initially rolled out to 8 US cities. While Ciroc is known worldwide for their vodka, that vodka is crafted with French grapes. Lets review. Ciroc Vodka is made in France, with French grapes, by Master Distiller Jean-Sebastien Robicquet, at Maison Villevert, his 500 year old family distillery. Ciroc VS French Brandy should surprise no one. Ciroc VS is also crafted by Master Distiller Jean-Sebastien Robicquet, and starts with French grapes grown in the South of France. Ciroc Vodka is made from Ugni Blanc and Mauzac Blanc grapes. Ciroc VS Brandy does not currently identify the type or region of the grapes used. Ciroc VS is distilled in Alembic copper stills and aged in French oak. It is then blended using exceptional aged brandies and bottled at 80 proof. Read more