The Data

Category   Brandy

Sub-Category   Brandy de Jerez

Origin   Jerez

Retail Price   $54.99

ABV   40%

Score   4.5 Stars/Exceptional! +

In the Glass

Brilliant, beautiful amber color with hints of orange.

The aromatics are quite complex while subtle with scents of toffee, candied orange peel, Sherry, sultanas, vanilla, and hints of Marcona almonds.

The palate echoes the nose delivering a generous, unctuous caramel and fruit core with layers of roasted nuts, nutmeg, nut, citrus, brown butter, and hints of clove.

Full-bodied with complex layers of fruit, caramel, spice, presented with a silky texture.

Cool Factor

Brandy de Jerez is scandalously under appreciated in this nation. Great examples like this offer incredibly unique and complex flavors with class and panache.

Value Grade

Considering the incredible quality and the unmistakable pleasure this is a pretty good buy in the world of Brandy.

Analysis

Gonzalez Byass is one of the Sherry bodegas that also happens to produce world-class Brandy. This beauty is made from 100% Palomino distilled in two stills sourced from Cognac. Just the heart of the distillation is kept and aged in their solera system for 12 years and more. Despite being one of the world's great spirits it is scarcely talked about although it should be. This is pure class from the first nosing to the last sip.

How to Enjoy

Serve in a Brandy glass with nothing at all. While I'm a big believer that "you bought it — you drink it as you like", the subtle flavors of this wonderful spirit will be lost if you add ice.