Fassbind Les Vieilles Barriques Apricot
Fassbind Les Vieilles Barriques Apricot (Vieil Abricot) is the apricot expression of the Swiss house's barrel-matured line — 40% ABV, heritage Royal Luizet apricots from the Valais canton, rested a minimum of two years in stainless steel then 14–18 months in oak, finished with a dried-apricot liqueur dosage — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% vol (80 proof)
- Size: 700mL
- Fruit: Royal Luizet (Luizet) apricots, hand-picked fully ripe, Canton of Valais, Switzerland
- Aging: min. 2 years stainless steel + 14–18 months in oak; dried-apricot dosage
- Origin: S. Fassbind AG, Oberarth, Schwyz, Switzerland — founded 1846
- Award: Silver — San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018 (importer-reported)
The Almond Note Is the Tell
The Royal Luizet is one of Switzerland's heritage apricot varieties, and its signature is the elegant almond note running under the ripe-apricot fruit — the mark that separates a great apricot brandy from a merely fruity one. Fassbind distills the hand-picked Valais fruit intensively, rests it long, then rounds it with oak and a dried-apricot dosage for a rich, balanced digestif. Explore more Fassbind or the store's liqueur shelf.
Tasting Notes
Very elegant and precise on the nose: expressive ripe apricot, delicate wood, a hint of vanilla; fragrant, flambéed exotic fruit and apricot jam. Extremely rich and balanced on the palate — soft, fruity, intense apricot with fine spice and the classic Royal Luizet almond note, vanilla cream, honey, cinnamon, milk chocolate, and dried orange peel. Long, round, lingering finish.
How to Enjoy
Chilled or at room temperature (around 68°F) as a digestif or with dessert — apricot tart, chocolate desserts, cheese boards. The almond note suits amaretto-adjacent cocktail work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ABV of Fassbind Vieil Abricot?
40% ABV (80 proof).
What apricots does Fassbind use?
The heritage variety Royal Luizet, grown in Switzerland's Valais canton.
How long is Fassbind Vieil Abricot aged?
Minimum two years in stainless steel plus 14–18 months in oak casks, per the US importer's product sheet.
What does apricot brandy taste like?
Ripe apricot with an elegant almond note, rounded by vanilla and light oak from barrel aging — rich, balanced, and long.
Heritage fruit, patiently rested: order Fassbind Vieilles Barriques Apricot online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.