Best Brandy in 2024: Top Craft Brandies You Need to Try.

Regarding finding the best brandy, enthusiasts and connoisseurs know Napa Valley's exquisite craft selections are second to none. As we look ahead to 2024, several standout brandies have emerged, each offering unique flavors and exceptional quality. Napa Valley continues to set the standard for premium brandy from the rich, velvety tones of Solera Gold California Brandy to the sophisticated blends of other local distilleries.

This guide highlights the top craft brandies you must try this year, ensuring your next tasting experience is extraordinary.

Discover the Best Brandies of 2024: Top Craft Selections

#1. Solera Gold by Napa Valley Brandy Co.

Overview: Solera Gold is the flagship brandy of Napa Valley Brandy Co., celebrated for its craftsmanship and complexity. Created using the traditional solera system, it blends various vintages for a consistent and rich flavor.

1. Tasting Notes: This brandy features aromas and flavors of dried fruits, vanilla, caramel, oak, and spices. It has a velvety palate and a long-lasting finish.

2. Aging Process: Aged for at least four years in new French oak and tawny port barrels.

3. Pairing Suggestions: Pairs well with rich desserts or dark chocolate or enjoyed neat as a contemplative sipper.

4. Awards & Accolades: Honored with a double gold at the 2024 San Francisco International Spirits Competition and recognized as the Best Brandy at the 2023 Craft Distillers Competition, scoring an impressive 97 out of 100.

5. Price Range: See the current pricing here

6. What customers say about Solera Gold: “This is some really fantastic brandy! American made and worth every penny. I highly recommend , It is delicious to sip Straight, on the rocks, Or, however, you drink your brandy. In my opinion, it is as good as any other brandy/cognac!” - G. Lewis

“Napa Valley Brandy Co. aims to establish Napa Valley as America’s answer to Cognac. Our award-winning Solera Gold Brandy incorporates historical techniques from both French and Spanish traditions. Sourced from the renowned Napa Valley, our grapes are fermented into wine, double pot distilled, and aged for over four years in new French oak and tawny port barrels. We spare no expense in crafting our brandy to perfection”

— Jason Moravec, Founder

#2. Grand Cuvee Brandy by Julien Fayard

Overview: Julien Fayard, a celebrated winemaker in Napa Valley, extends his expertise to craft the Grand Cuvee Brandy. This spirit is distilled from select grape varietals and showcases remarkable depth and complexity.

1. Tasting Notes: The Grand Cuvee Brandy offers a harmonious blend of fruity and floral notes, with undertones of vanilla and oak, resulting in a smooth and refined character.

2. Aging Process: Aged in oak barrels to enhance its depth and complexity.

3. Pairing Suggestions: Ideal with soft cheeses, light desserts, or as a sophisticated after-dinner drink.

4. Visit Maison Fayard Bottle Store, Gifts, and Tastings here

“Quality base wine and proper time aging and barrel selection help enhance natural flavors in the brandy. This is the renouveau of California brandy”

— Julien Fayard - Brandy Distiller

#3. Brandy Aged in Madeira Barrels by V. Sattui Winery

Overview: V. Sattui Winery, a cornerstone of Napa Valley winemaking since 1885, presents a unique brandy aged in Madeira barrels. This aging process imparts a distinctive character and a rich history.

1. Tasting Notes: Intensely aromatic with notes of butterscotch, hazelnut, caramel, and almond, this smooth libation follows through on the palate with these rich flavors.

2. Aging Process: Aged for two years in Madeira barrels, resulting in a deep honey hue and complex profile.

3. Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy neat, on the rocks, or in artisan cocktails, pairing well with rich desserts and cheese.

4. Price Range: Check the current price here

“V. Sattui Winery stands as a cornerstone of Napa Valley’s rich history. We are thrilled to be among the pioneers reviving this historic spirit and bringing it back into the spotlight. Our loyal customers, who have followed V. Sattui over the years, are well acquainted with our renowned Madeira. Naturally, it made perfect sense to age our brandy in these Madeira barrels after racking out the wine for bottling. This process imparts the brandy with a distinct aged nutty aroma and a smooth, rounded palate. The end result is a spirit that is unmistakably a classic V. Sattui product.”

— Jason Moravec, Winemaker

Want to know how to properly taste these brandies? See our article on How to Properly Taste Brandy in Four Easy Steps

#4. Spanish Town Brandy by Housley

Overview: Housley, a boutique winery and distillery in Napa Valley, presents Spanish Town Brandy. This grape brandy, named after the historic Spanish Town neighborhood founded in the early 1850s, is a tribute to the region's diverse heritage.

1. Tasting Notes: Pot-distilled and finished in bourbon barrels, this wine highlights fruit and oak flavors with hints of brown sugar on the palate and a smooth finish.

2. Aging Process: Aged in bourbon barrels and expertly blended with old and young brandy.

3. Pairing Suggestions: Ideal for sipping slowly or use in premium craft cocktails.

4. Price Range: Check the current price here

“Our Spanish Town Brandy is distilled from our award-winning estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Crafted with meticulous care with our friends at the Napa Valley Distillery, this brandy captures the rich, complex flavors of a premium brandy. It’s finished in bourbon barrels with an amazing hint of burnt brown sugar. Its deep, amber hue and intricate bouquet make it an exquisite choice for connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike, epitomizing the excellence of our estate’s viticulture and distillation traditions. There’s nothing like sitting down with a perfect pour.”

— Adam Housley - Brandy Distiller

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, discovering the best brandy involves exploring the rich and diverse craft brandies Napa Valley offers. From the meticulously crafted Solera Gold to the award-winning selections by Julien Fayard, V. Sattui Winery, and Housley, each brandy provides a unique tasting experience that reflects the craftsmanship and heritage of Napa Valley.

Cheers to enjoying the finest craft brandies in 2024!

Share Your Experience

Have you tried any of these amazing brandies? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Share your experiences and favorite picks on social media using the hashtag #BestBrandy2024. Don't forget to tag us @NapaValleyBrandyCo so we can see and share your posts!

About the Author

Jason Moravec

Jason Moravec is an experienced winemaker with 17 years of expertise in the field. His extensive background in winemaking provides him with a unique approach to brandy making, blending traditional techniques with innovative methods. This fusion of skills has allowed Jason to create exceptional brandies that stand out in the industry.