Charbay No. 83 Folle Blanche Brandy

Charbay No. 83 Folle Blanche Brandy is not just a bottle of brandy — it's the origin story of one of California's most important craft distilleries, and quite possibly the finest American brandy ever distilled. On a foggy night in 1983, Miles Karakasevic — a 12th generation distiller who had arrived in North America from Yugoslavia in 1962 — lit the still for the very first time at what would become Charbay Distillery, honored by the presence of Mr. Pruhlo, the French founder of the company that built their exotic Alambic Charentais still, who had come from France specifically for the occasion. That first run became this brandy. Double distilled from 100% Folle Blanche grapes — the classic and rare Cognac grape variety grown in Mendocino County — in Charbay's 660-gallon Alambic Charentais pot still, then aged 27 years in new French Limousin and Nevers oak barrels before being hand bottled and numbered with only 100 cases produced. Wine Enthusiast described it as a dry and sophisticated California brandy with an enticing floral and vanilla-bean perfume, intriguing flavors of Port-like red fruit, tart lemon peel, and a toasty oaky note smoothed over by almonds and brioche — finishing with a raisiny touch. K&L Wines called it perhaps the finest American brandy ever distilled. Buy Charbay No. 83 Folle Blanche Brandy online with fast shipping right to your door.