E & J Brandy X.O

Today I am reviewing E&J Brandy X.O. It goes in my Middle shelf & I will be sharing the following information in my blog

• My research on the history behind this brandy
• Vital Stats
• Tasting notes
• SJ's Rating
• Occasions best enjoyed & SJ's pro tip

E& J brandy is quite a popular American made brandy which got me by surprise. I was not expecting much from it but it turns out the opposite. Marketed as a suave, bold drink it makes a mark with it's attractive bottle. And the most important part , the flavor matches it's bold personality. 

Aged for 2 years in oak barrels, It was launched in 1970 and became an instant classic. According to it's website, E& J's roots stem back to Gallo family tree. Ernst & Julio Gallo , two brothers with passion for brandy and 30+ years of experience crafting fine wine decided to bring a little bit of California magic to the brandy game. After five years of testing and tasting in their Fresno distillery, the duo finally came across E& J's signature smooth process used till this day. 

Enough with the history, lets get to the real deal! Enjoy my tasting notes. 

Vital Stats- E& J Brandy X.O

Price- $12.49 for 750ml($1.29 for sampler bottle)

Age- 7+ years

ABV- 40%

Country/Region- California, USA

Distillery- E & J Distilleries, Modesto, CA

Awards won- Double Gold, 2018 San Diego Spirits Festival

Tasting info-

Serving glass-Glencairn Whisky Glass

Serving style- Neat

Appearance- Beautiful dark amber

Aroma- Fruity, oak, grapes, vanilla, faint chocolate in background, spearmint

Flavor- Very smooth, fruity, some spices, mild botanicals like lavender & hibiscus

Body- Medium

Finish- Slightly lingering, spicy & warm

SJ's Rating- Middle Shelf 

Pretty good brandy for the price. I liked the smoothness & flavor of it. Don't be fooled by it's cheap price. Let flavor be the judge of your palate not your wallet. For the price, it is exceptional and very stylish looking. Amazing value for money, it seems like affordable luxury for everyone. 

Occasions best enjoyed- After dinner 

Cocktails- Lemon juice or Orange juice pairs well with Brandy

Food pairings- Fried goat meat went well with the sweetness of this drink

SJ's Pro tip- Nice digestif after dinner

This was truly a pleasant drink & dinner, enjoyed even more researching and presenting my findings to you. Check it out for yourself and find out. 

Cheers! 🥃🥃🥃 Enjoy Responsibly. Stay safe. 

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