"apple brandy" news and stories

While packing up to move to Baja, I got rid of many winter clothes with the sweltering summer heat still fresh on my mind from closing on purchase of Casa Cóctel in the hottest part of the year.

Now the fall chill has finally hit even La Paz. This week had me scrambling for sweaters and blankets. The cool air stiffens bones while the dark spirits loosens them back up again.

Fall seems to be the perfect season for apples. Fermented apples turn into cider. Distilled apples turn into brandy.

Get my Fallen Leaves cocktail after the jump.

A new listing at Waitrose I believe - Somerset Pomona is a rather special apple based spirit made in .. wait I am sure you can guess.

Cider maker Julian Temperly brought two stills in France (Josephine and Fifi) and, taking skills from the Normandy Calvados makers and Scottish whisky producers, produces this blend of apple cider brandy and vintage apple juice. The apples are grown in the company's own orchards and blended with vintage cider. After two years maturing in small oak barrels the Pomona is bottled. It is excellent with a good cheddar.

Price at Waitrose is £7.99 for 50cl bottle but you can also order online direct (along with many other apple based brandies and drinks).