The aroma is reminiscent of charred apple cider, or apples scorched before juicing. Beyond that, the nose offers golden raisins and licorice. There's complexity to the taste, but a certain note is off-putting. It's almost as if it's excessively charred, perhaps too much burnt oak. It presents more like medicinal whiskey, with only a hint of apple brandy noticeable at the finish if you search for it. The wood is the primary flavor, accompanied by a slightly bitter, disagreeable herbal characteristic. It's somewhat strong, but the intensity isn't the issue. The primary concern is the lack of something: a vibrant note, more sweetness, or richness. Something to balance the oak and char.
Copper & Kings Floodwall Apple Brandy
Brandy Brandy Kentucky No age statement 50% ABV
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About this bottle
Named to honor Louisville's floodwall, constructed in 1957, Floodwall is the second aged apple brandy from Louisville's Copper & Kings. This apple brandy is copper pot-distilled and then matured for a minimum of four years in a mix of bourbon barrels and 250-liter oloroso sherry casks. It was launched in the fall of 2016 and is bottled at 100 proof.
How it tastes
Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 9 parsed reviews.
Wow. This is more unusual than anticipated. Nice appearance, but the flavor was surprising. Smell: crisp apple skin, vanilla, caramel Taste: Baked apple is present throughout, but the wood becomes much more prominent. First oak..then a sort of spicy rye..then smoke. Aftertaste: Apple cider and smoke. Lingering. Conclusion: I favor the Laird's single barrel in this price range and for its more robust apple taste, but this is a delightful, unique little sipper. Might not repurchase, but it's enjoyable this time.
While I lean towards lairds, I find Copper & Kings spirits excellent for bar use. Craft a zombie with white rum, a dark rum over 100 proof, and this spirit, alongside typical zombie components, for a potent mix.
Nose of dried fruit with added sweetness. Pleasant warmth. Hints of sangria. A strong artificial taste that I suspect originates from the apples.
Very good flavor. Clearly discernible apple notes. Tasted at a Copper & Kings Brandy Class.
Initially very hot, it then mellows to leave a long-lasting taste of apple juice.
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Tastes like this
Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.