Gonzalez Byass Soberano Spanish Brandy
The Data
Category Brandy
Sub-Category Spanish Brandy
Origin Jerez
Retail Price $24.99
ABV 40%
Score 4 Stars/Exceptional!
In the Glass
Appearance
Brilliant, crystal clear.
Aromatics
The nose is filled with beautiful Christmas cake fruits with rich brown baking spices, caramel, wood, and candied walnuts.
Flavor
The palate is in full agreeement with the nose delivering lush but vibrant fruit core with waves of spice, oak, honey, and toffee with hints of vanilla and black pepper.
Intensity & Texture
Medium-bodied with great depth and complex spice notes while featuring rich and ripe fruit flavors.
Cool Factor
You have to love fruity and hedonistic Brandy with complex fruit notes that don't mind being mixed — in fact it loves it.
Value Grade
At $25 a bottle (less at a major retailer) this Brandy punches above its weight giving a lot of bang for your buck.
Analysis
This congenial Brandy is made with 100% Airen, a lesser-know vinifera grape that accounts for 30% of Spain's wine grapes. The young Brandy is then aged in a solera consisting of barrels that have previously aged Sherry. It's a Brandy that aims to please and offers its decadent flavors without pretense.
How to Enjoy
Sip it straight, in coffee, or over ice. It's fantastic served over ice and topped with ginger beer and perhaps a lemon slice.