Some Monk Talked, 11yo Brandy

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Ransom Wines & Spirits was founded by Tad Seestedt. Originally from a farm in the NY Finger Lakes, Tad moved to New York City and corporate America but soon felt a strong pull back to his farming roots. He embarked on a 2,000-mile journey west, following the Oregon Trail to a farm in Sheridan where he established a winery and distillery. Located in the renowned Oregon Willamette Valley, Ransom operates on a forty-acre organic farm in the foothills of the Coastal Mountain Range. Barley has been planted since 2008. Ransom’s commitment to heritage, craftsmanship, and respect for terroir is evident in its operations. The farm has been certified organic since 2011, and the distillery received organic certification in 2021. Ransom Spirits are distilled in a hand-hammered, direct-fired French alembic pot still, with all cuts made by taste and smell rather than automation. This traditional method preserves the aromatic intensity and body of the carefully selected raw materials. Ransom mashes and ferments base wort weekly in small batches, sourcing local and organic grains where possible, including barley grown on their own farm.

WHAT MAKES THIS SPIRIT UNIQUE?

A gem crafted from the rich traditions of the past, this exquisite spirit reflects time-honored craftsmanship and a secret once preserved by monks. Distilled in the heart of the Willamette Valley in 2011, this brandy has aged for 11 years in French oak, evolving into a symphony of refined flavors and unmatched finesse.

MASH BILL:

100% Pinot Noir

DISTILLATION INFO:

Double distilled on Ransom's traditional direct-fired Alembic Cognac stills from France, the brandy is then aged for eleven years in 100% neutral French oak in an unheated warehouse in Sheridan, Oregon.

PRODUCTION:

900 bottles

LOCATION, SOIL, CLIMATE:

Cattrall Vineyard, located in Oregon’s renowned Willamette Valley, benefits from the region’s ideal climate and soil conditions. The vineyard sits on well-drained, volcanic soils that provide excellent drainage and nutrient balance, essential for premium grape growing. The cool, temperate climate of the Willamette Valley, characterized by its mild summers and cool, wet winters, creates an extended growing season that allows the grapes to develop complex flavors and balanced acidity. This combination of soil and climate contributes to the distinctive character and quality of the wines produced at Cattrall Vineyard.

TASTING NOTES:

This amber-hued spirit opens with vibrant notes of clover blossom, spiced peach, and honeyed caramel. On the palate, toasted hazelnut and biscuit emerge, intertwined with subtle allspice and rye bread. The experience is one of balanced complexity, leading to a long, fine-grained finish of dried stone fruits and sweet earth.

ALCOHOL CONTENT:

43% ABV

UPC CODE:

23221001000741