E & G Gallo Brandy … Good Brandy At Even Better Prices

We have been writing about wine and spirits for many years and during that time have been privileged to sample the best of the best. One beverage that we enjoy and have been pleased to write about is brandy.

Brandy is the final product when wine is distilled. The process of distillation is relatively simple. Wine is heated to the point where the alcohol separates from the water, after which the alcohol fumes are cooled to return them to a liquid. This liquid is crystal clear and very sharp so it must be set down to age and mellow. Oak barrels that have been charred on the inside, are use to age brandy and it is the charcoal from the burned wood that aids in the mellowing and also adds the familiar brown color.

Brandy has what is probably the widest variation in price of any alcoholic beverage. There are brandies that sell for just a few dollars and there are those, most specifically the French Cognacs, that retail in the hundreds or even in the thousands of dollars. Brandies that sell for the big bucks have many facets and if they are or are not actually worth their price, is always up for question and usually in the eye, pocketbook, or palate of the buyer.

We have found, there are some brandies that are in the marketplace here and now that are easy to enjoy and even easier to afford. One producer that has specialized in producing quality brandies is the legendry company of E &J Gallo. Gallo, who has been in the forefront of making good wines at affordable prices since 1933, has also been making some very nice brandies whose qualities, like their wines, far exceed its very affordable price.

E & J (Gallo) ($11.99). From its parentage, you know that this American made brandy must be a very special product; and so it is. The VS is, like all of the other Gallo brandies, incredibly smooth and well balanced. An outstanding feature of this brandy is the super obvious flavor and aroma of cherries. While the VS is a very popular mixer it is also no slouch when enjoyed neat over ice as an after drink. Yes we know it is inexpensive and yes, it is made by an America winemaker but, to put it plain and simple, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it and at its low selling price, trying it should be no problem. Get price snobbery out of your head, this brandy will surprise you; it did us.

E & J (Gallo) VSOP ($12.99). The VSOP (Very Special Old Pale) has been made mellower and more flavorful by extra aging in oak casks. This brandy has a deep warm golden color and the very powerful aroma of dried fruits. The finish is exceptionally long and seems to end in a rush of perfume. This is a smooth and well made brandy that can stand up to ice cubes and even a twist of lemon without loosing any of its quality or charm.

E & J (Gallo) XO Vintage Reserve Brandy ($14.99). XO (Extra Old) has been given even more aging in oak barrels than the VSOP so as to achieve an exceptional level of depth and smoothness, resulting in a fine sipping brandy that will not break the bank or even stretch the purse strings. While the E & J XO is also a superb mixer, it can also stand by itself as an after dinner beverage. It is bold, flavorful and adds an extra dimension to the definition of brandy.

E & J (Gallo) VSOP/Peach: $12.99. Flavored alcoholic beverages are currently “in” and available in every conceivable type from Scotch to Bourbon to Vodka to sparkling wines and even to beer; so why not brandy. Gallo presents its version of a flavored brandy by offering its VSOP in a peach flavored incarnation. As a brandy, it is an excellent after dinner beverage; as a mixer, it is outstanding.