Schnapps Idea Distillery Quince Brandy
The smell of fresh fruit leaps out of the glass here with no harsh alcohol. Perfumed, rich, and unlike anything I’ve ever smelled, the quince offers notes of roasted apple, pear, leatherwood honey, English breakfast tea and artichoke. There’s complexity here, lovely balance and integration, and all the aromas play a harmonious tune. I immediately want to put this in every cocktail. One of the nice things about fruit brandies is that they’re bone dry despite all the sweet aromas, meaning they can be mixed easily. On the palate, there’s a fair amount of alcohol burn for something at 40%, but I’m sure a German would say that’s to warm you up. Still, I wouldn’t mind a little more texture and softness overall. The finish is clean and crisp; overall, this is a wonderfully different and interesting spirit.