St Agnes Distillery XO 20yo Imperial South Australia Brandy

Description

For my entire working life, St Agnes was always seen as a basic brandy.  Something your granny drank with copious amounts of dry ginger.  So recently getting re-acquainted with the brand and what the Angove’s family have been doing at their distillery in SA’s Riverland, has been nothing but astonishing.

The XO range, 15yo, 20yo and this 40yo are nothing but stunning.  And the key to success of these spirits is the seamless integration of spirit and oak and depth and complexity of their flavours.  They are the complete package.

This 20yo is a treat and just keep in mid that the oldest component of this spirit, was distilled in 1970.

The official notes read, “white pepper heat initially, mellowed by French oak intensity that builds a textural mid palate. Caramel and medium toffee flavours straight up, developing into walnut and raisin. Vanillin length with some maple syrup & spice. Tannin firmness in mid palate finishing long and smooth. Clean & fresh”.