Some Monk Talked – T. Henry Ransom 11 Years Old Pot Distilled Alembic Brandy 86 Proof

Ransom Wines & Spirits – 11-Year Pinot Noir Brandy

Founded by Tad Seestedt, Ransom Wines & Spirits grew from his journey back to the land, trading corporate New York for a farm in Sheridan, Oregon. Situated on a forty-acre organic farm in the renowned Willamette Valley, Ransom has been cultivating barley since 2008, earning organic certification for the farm in 2011 and for the distillery in 2021. Tad’s philosophy blends heritage, craftsmanship, and respect for terroir, with all spirits distilled in hand-hammered, direct-fired French alembic pot stills. Every cut is made by taste and smell, preserving the full aromatic intensity of carefully selected, mostly local, organic grains.

What Makes This Spirit Unique
Distilled from 100% Pinot Noir grapes from the Cattrall Vineyard, this brandy embodies centuries-old traditions once preserved by monks. Double distilled on Ransom’s French alembic stills and aged for 11 years in neutral French oak in an unheated Sheridan warehouse, it reflects the Willamette Valley’s volcanic soils, temperate climate, and extended growing season—key elements in crafting grapes of extraordinary complexity.

Tasting Notes
Amber-hued and inviting, it opens with clover blossom, spiced peach, and honeyed caramel. The palate reveals toasted hazelnut, biscuit, subtle allspice, and rye bread, culminating in a long, fine-grained finish of dried stone fruits and sweet earth. Only 900 bottles produced, making it a rare gem of balanced complexity and refined elegance.