Don’t Miss Willow Creek’s Inaugural “XO” Brandy

Calling all craft brandy (and whiskey!) enthusiasts—Willow Creek Distillery has proudly introduced its first-ever “XO” Brandy. 

The classic XO designation—for “Extra Old”—is reserved for brandies that spend a minimum of six years in the barrel, signifying peak rarity and maturity. Our XO Brandy is now available at the tasting room as well as online HERE!

“Our first-ever XO Brandy comes from a selection of just four barrels that we fermented, distilled and aged with passion and patience,” says Head Distiller Kevin Coulton. “Brandy has always been a focal point at Willow Creek Distillery, and this is the most special batch we’ve ever created.”

Willow Creek Distillery’s XO Brandy ($95) is now available at the tasting room as well as online at WillowCreekDistillery.com.

what’s not to love?

Now, if you’re a whiskey fan but are still a brandy holdout, we need to talk! 

“We get quite a few whiskey lovers in our tasting room who initially aren’t interested in our brandies,” Kevin says. “They associate grape brandy with cheap, inferior spirits from the past. But when they taste ours, they’re blown away by how a great brandy can be as complex and enjoyable as the best whiskey. It opens up a new world of discovery for them.” 

Which brings us back to the XO Brandy, which is sure to convert a new wave of brandy believers!

It comes from Muscat grapes harvested at the Opolo estate in 2017. The fruit was gently pressed and the juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks. Next, the new wine was twice distilled and cellared in medium-toast new French oak barrels. A special selection was then reserved for XO treatment and aged for the full six years prior to bottling. 

“The XO brandy displays an incredible complexity that can only be gained from this extended aging period,” Kevin says. The result is a uniquely nuanced and distinct spirit that opens with floral notes of honeysuckle, mandarin and pear with barrel-derived accents of caramel and toasted oak. The finish is voluminous and silky. 

Don’t miss this stunning craft spirit made for brandy enthusiasts and new believers alike!