XO BRANDY STRIKES GOLD!

We are excited to share that Willow Creek Distillery’s inaugural XO Brandy has earned a Gold Medal at the Central Coast Spirits Competition!

 (A rather significant honor considering that the Central Coast has become a hotbed of incredible spirits producers.)

First released earlier this year, our XO Brandy ($95) is an ultra-premium artisanal spirit aged for six years in French oak barrels. In short, it is our ultimate brandy, and it is now available at the tasting room as well as online.

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

He adds, “This Gold Medal is a validation of the time, effort and imagination that we put into this brandy.”

The XO Brandy 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.”