A group of leaders in the American spirits industry gathered this week for the first-ever California Brandy Summit and pledged to restore the perception of California Brandy as ranking alongside the world's most acclaimed spirits.

Top tier brandy producers, mixologists, and national influencers met for two days of discussions, seminars, and tastings aimed at assessing the current perception of California Brandy and at steering the future of the spirit.

The result was the pledge, formalized in a Declaration to Raise the Status of California Brandy, that said, in part, "We are committed to heralding the exceptional brandy crafted by California producers. We are committed to restoring the perception of California Brandy as ranking alongside the world's most acclaimed spirits."

"We do need to raise awareness of the world-class quality of California brandy," said Dan Farber, founder, and distiller of Osocalis Distillery. "And that takes all of us. We, producers, have to keep putting the quality product in the glass, and we need the community to get the word out about what our DNA really is, and about how outstanding California brandy can be."

The Brandy Summit featured discussions facilitated by F. Paul Pacult, editor, and publisher of Spirits Journal and one of America's foremost spirits authorities, with premium California Brandy Producers on the art and science of Brandy making.

The group examined the best practices in Brandy making, including distillation techniques, maturation, and blending, and discussed whether there is a need for more production guidelines in California Brandy.

Elite mixologists and summit participants demonstrated California brandy's versatility by creating brandy cocktails ranging from new takes on modern classics to bright, refreshing spring and summer style drinks. The group also got a preview tasting of the new premium Argonaut Brandy, which has four expressions ranging from a cocktail-oriented blend to sipping brandies to a collector's brandy blended from rare, aged brandy lots.

"Because it's made from wine, California brandy has completely unique flavor notes and qualities," said Rita Hansen, Head Distiller for Argonaut Brandy. "A few decades ago, the world learned about the outstanding wines in California. We all think it's time people also learned about the high quality and craftsmanship in California brandy."

The Summit began at the historic McCall Distillery in Sanger, CA (home of the Argonaut Distilling Company) then moved to Gold Rush country in the Sierra Nevada just outside Yosemite National Park to emphasize Brandy's deep roots in California culture. The Declaration to Raise the Status of California Brandy is posted on the summit website and will be continuing to gather new signatories.

Source: PRNewswire