Founded in 2011, Mad River Distillers is an award-winning craft distillery located in Vermont's Mad River Valley. They ferment, distill and bottle bourbon, rye, rum and apple brandy. The ingredients for the spirits are sourced regionally from non-GMO, fair trade and organic suppliers and the mashing, fermenting, distilling and aging occur in Warren, Vermont. Their seasonal apple brandy is aged in new oak for an American spin on a European classic. The distillery is run by John Egan (Founder), Maura Connolly (Co-Founder and Director of Sales), and Brett Little (Co-Founder/Partner). Mad River is among my favorite New England distillers.
According to the distillery, Mad Apple is a European-style dry apple brandy distilled from 100% Vermont apples. It is aged in new American white oak barrels instead of European barrels. Generally the spirit is aged for a minimum of 1 year. When you're tasting this ibation, think more like whiskey than more formal brandies. Mad Rover Mad Apple Brandy starts off with fresh green and red apples, sweet apple candy, pear, and crisp orchard blossom. There are also notes of toffee, vanilla, and spice. On the palate, this brandy pops with a tart, fruit-forward apple juice notes, bright acidity, and notes of vanilla, white pepper, and lovely spice. Clean and zippy, this brandy (think whiskey) offers Fruit that lasts and lasts. Perfect for cocktails - a Manhattan, a Jack Rose, or mixed with ginger beer or ginger ale. It is literally an orchard in a glass. One of the best apple brandies/applejacks being produced in North America.