Marionette Apricot Brandy Liqueur (500ml)

In pursuit of this versatile staple, Marionette engaged the Matovani family who have been farming stone fruit for over 25 years. Apricots are macerated, distilled and barrel aged with brandy made by the Angove family in Renmark, South Australia. The liqueur pours slightly cloudy gold. The aroma presents an enticing medley of dried fruit notes, chiefly apricot, perfectly integrated with the brandy base. Judicious sweet-dry balance makes for a very natural and pure liqueur, rich and viscous in texture, finishing dry and fresh, the fleshy apricot flavours nicely captured. Impressive. Once opened, keep it chilled. 25% alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Products labelled “apricot brandy” are, in fact, mostly liqueurs, and Marionette’s version is no exception. But while most commercial versions are made on a base of cheap neutral grain spirit, this product is made from genuine South Australian grape brandy, steeped with Australian apricots, re-distilled and then barrel aged. This is apricot liqueur the hard way. Apricot liqueur is a fundamental cocktail ingredient utilised in the recipe of countless mixed drinks. These days, discerning Australian bartenders reach for Marionette’s version, with less sugar and more natural flavour than most imported options. The deeply perfumed aroma of apricots greets the nose here, velvety and inviting, without a hint of artificial flavour or aggressive sweetness. Excellent acidity on the palate shows restraint with sugar. Miles above the commercial stuff with a clean, crisp finish that’s anything but cloying. Why make a cocktail? I’d be happy swigging this right from the bottle. 97 points - Fred Siggins, James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion