Neversink Apple Apéritif, New York 750ml

This is a Pommeau de Normandie-style apple apéritif produced by Neversink Spirits in Elmsford, New York. It is made from a blend of one-part Neversink apple brandy that has been aged 1 year in ex-whiskey barrels and two-parts freshly pressed, unfermented heirloom apple cider. Once blended, the apéritif is aged for 18 months in 60-gallon French oak casks that previously held white wine.

Fresh, red apple on the nose with notes of walnut and butterscotch toffee; bright and pleasant acidity greets the palate with clove, sage, and celery root; the finish offers echoing waves of fresh apple skin and stewed apples with notes of ginger.

This complex, pommeau-inspired apéritif is delicious sipped neat (serve slightly chilled) or in a cold-weather Spritz. Once opened, refrigerate and ideally serve within 3–6 months; the spirit won’t spoil, it will simply begin to oxidize and lean towards its deeper flavors.