The Argonauts of the California Gold Rush embodied the pioneering spirit, leaving behind everything in search of adventure and opportunity. We tapped into that spirit for our Brandy – pushing the boundaries of brandy making to explore what California Brandy can be.
Expressions
ARGONAUT SPECULATOR CALIFORNIA 750ML
Green Apple, Spice, Apricot, Honeysuckle
The Argonauts of the Gold Rush were speculators, leaving home for the unlikely opportunity of striking it rich in the goldfields. The miners too were speculating, staking claims and betting that the gold in their plots was worth more than the purchase price. Argonaut Speculator pays homage to our former master distiller, who laid down quality stocks of brandy for decades, without a specific program in mind. This blend is evidence that she made a good bet. At 86 proof, Speculator offers bright green apple, ripe pear, apricot and stone fruit, honeysuckle and orange blossom, nutmeg and clove, chamomile, golden raisin, tropical notes of ripe banana and pineapple...
ARGONAUT FAT THUMB CALIFORNIA 750ML
Apple, Pear, Caramel, Oak
During the California Gold Rush, gold dust served as the preferred currency. A miner would open his purse of gold, offering merchants and barkeeps to take a pinch of dust as payment. Prosperous merchants were said to have ‘Fat Thumbs,’ thanks to a reputation for taking generous pinches of gold. In blending Argonaut Fat Thumb, our Master Distiller showed she too had a ‘Fat Thumb’ when pulling from our alembic brandy stocks. The resulting blend showcases the quality of some of our more scarce blending legs. Fat Thumb offers baked apple cobbler, overripe pear, toasted oak, coconut, vanilla, nutmeg and clove, red apple, overripe pear, traces of caramelized banana, rich, silky mouthfeel.
ARGONAUT SALOON STRENGTH CALIFORNIA 1.0L
Almond, Apple, Peach, Vanilla
The Argonauts of the Gold Rush were forced to endure harsh and unforgiving conditions in the gold fields. The Saloon offered an escape from the reality of life as a miner. Fortune seekers often came for the table games and entertainment but stayed for the brandy libations. Argonaut Saloon Strength was developed by bartenders for bartenders. Bottled at 91 proof, this blend allows today’s barkeeps to showcase the complexity and depth a Brandy can offer in cocktails. At 91 proof, Saloon Strength offers fresh picked red apple, baked peach, candied citrus peel, toasted almond, vanilla, caramel, and baking spice, black raisin, dried apricot, mid-palate warmth.
ARGONAUT THE CLAIM CALIFORNIA 750ML
Dried Fruit, Apple, Brown Spice
The Argonauts of the Gold Rush were charmed and captivated by Sam Brannan’s claim of gold in the American River. His
proclamation proved the catalyst to a new era in American history, accelerating Westward expansion. For this Second Edition of The Claim, our pioneering distiller Rita Hansen pulled from these special stocks to create a magnificent blend of the rarest
and most unique California Brandies. The Second Edition of The Claim has a lush aroma of plum and cherry, with notes of dried fruit leather, apple, brown spice, and toasted oak. The deep red fruit flavors carry over to the palate, complemented by layers of dried fig, apple pie, and baking spice. The long finish is rich and elegant, with seamlessly integrated fruit and oak.
THE ARGONAUT PROCESS
We are one of the few brandy makers that own and manage the production process from start to finish. We are the grape grower, the winemaker, the distiller and master blender.
ARGONAUT COCKTAILS
A delicious cocktail starts with great Brandy. Explore our archive of classic cocktail recipes as well as original drinks from our favorite bartenders.
OUR STORY
Our “Brandy Queen”, Rita Hansen, is a master distiller and blender and second generation winemaker. Rita applies her vast knowledge to all steps of the Argonaut process; from winemaking to distilling, aging, and blending.
