A Mattituck vineyard is making a slight diversion from the wine world with a new liquor, made with the help of Long Island Spirits of Baiting Hollow.
Sherwood House Vineyards and Long Island Spirits announced this week the release of a new artisan aged brandy, distilled and hand-crafted on Long Island, called Sherwood House X.O. brandy. Using an award winning chardonnay from Sherwood House as the base, Long Island Spirits double distills more than 1,100 gallons of the wine which then yields only a little over 100 gallons of the high proof brandy. The brandy then rests in new French oak for close to three years. This initial release was distilled Christmas week of 2009. The result is a smooth and velvety taste with hints of almond, walnut, vanilla, and subtle spicy notes of cardamom, ginger and cinnamon culminating with a long mellow finish.
The first release is limited in availability, with about 900 bottles being produced, which will be sold only at Sherwood House in Jamesport and Long Island Spirits tasting rooms. North Fork Patch reported this week that the open-air Mattituck location of Sherwood House could reopen by the end of the month pending Southold Town Planning Board approval.
