Willie Smiths Tasmanian Apple Brandy 42% 700ml

Willie Smiths Tasmanian Apple Brandy captures the essence of Tasmania’s pristine orchards through a masterful pot-distillation of heritage apples. Crafted in the Huon Valley using organic fruit and traditional methods, this brandy offers a smooth, fruit-rich finish that stands as a serious local alternative to Calvados, showcasing a bold, terroir-driven character.

On the nose, experience a muscular, brooding aroma that melds earthy baked apple with toasted spices and a leather-strapped maturity. Rich oak influences reveal notes of vanilla pod, cigar box, nutmeg, and burnt sugar, all balanced by the natural sweetness of orchard fruit. Subtle hints of dried flowers and crushed herbs evoke the sensation of walking through an apple storehouse as the barrels breathe.

The palate delivers a dry yet generous profile, opening with roasted apple skin, cinnamon-dusted pear, and delicate sultana undertones. A structured oak backbone provides toast, caramelized edges, and a whisper of smoke, while mid-palate introduces a nutty complexity reminiscent of pecan pie crust and almond praline. Layers of dried orange peel and old vanilla bean add depth, complemented by a whisky-like interplay of spice, tannin, and faint esters.

As the brandy settles, savory notes emerge—dried tea leaves, applewood smoke, and a subtle umami quality akin to miso or browned butter. The finish is long, dry, and warming, with lingering echoes of fruit, spice, and gentle oak tannin that softly grip the tongue.

Best enjoyed neat at room temperature, this apple brandy is an ideal fireside companion or contemplative nightcap. It pairs exceptionally well with hard cheeses, smoked meats, or a spiced fruitcake, enhancing each bite with its complex depth.

• Pot-distilled brandy from heritage apples, aged in oak for a smooth, fruit-rich finish.
• Produced in Tasmania’s Huon Valley using organic apples and traditional craft methods.
• A full-flavoured, terroir-driven alternative to Calvados with a distinctive local character.