On April 24, 2017, spirits industry leaders met at the historic McCall Distillery in Sanger to help reestablish California Brandy as ranking among the world’s most acclaimed spirits.
Attendees agreed the outlook is very promising. They see consumers exploring brown spirits with high-quality ingredients made by knowledgeable distillers.
Participants discussed Brandy’s rich and illustrious history in California pre-Prohibition and its path to returning to that acclaimed status.
The attendees reviewed the current requirements for making American and California brandy and what differentiates it from other grape based and brown spirits.
Attendees explored the unique distillation and aging methods available to California brandy makers as well as the world-class vineyards and winemaking expertise. They also tasted a range of brandies from the state.
Participants conducted a wide-ranging discussion about ways to raise awareness of the high quality of California Brandy, then concluded by signing a Declaration to Elevate the Status of California Brandy.
Cocktail historian David Wondrich and famed bartender Dale DeGroff detailed Brandy’s cocktail history back to the 1800s. The group then spent time reinventing their own Brandy classics and demonstrating its versatility in vibrant spring and summer cocktails.
Pineapple Cobbler by Dale DeGroff.
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Pineapple Cobbler by Dale DeGroff.
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I went to London Once by Chad Arnholt and Jim Meehan.
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I went to London Once by Chad Arnholt and Jim Meehan.
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Garden Delight by Nick Nistico.
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Garden Delight by Nick Nistico.
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California Zephyr cocktail by Jack Robertiello.
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California Zephyr cocktail by Jack Robertiello.
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Moreish Stinger cocktail from David Wondrich and Anu Elford.
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Moreish Stinger cocktail from David Wondrich and Anu Elford.
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Red Fox Spritz by David Wondrich.
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Red Fox Spritz by David Wondrich.
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The Transistor by Andrew Pollard and Eric Hay.
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The Transistor by Andrew Pollard and Eric Hay.
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The "First Rain" cocktail by Eric Alperin.
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The "First Rain" cocktail by Eric Alperin.
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The Fresno Sunrise by Sly Cosmopoulos and Cornelius Geary.
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The Fresno Sunrise by Sly Cosmopoulos and Cornelius Geary.
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The Eagle Cocktail by Jon Santer.
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The Eagle Cocktail by Jon Santer.
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The Gambler cocktail by Tyler Hudgens pictured in front.
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The Gambler cocktail by Tyler Hudgens pictured in front.
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Eureka Cocktail by Troy Clarke.
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Eureka Cocktail by Troy Clarke.
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What better way to celebrate one of California’s most distinctive spirits than by celebrating one of California’s, and America’s, greatest natural wonders.
Join the spirits industry leaders and show your commitment to restoring the perception of California Brandy. Click to sign our Declaration and...