Rare Brandy de Jerez Solera Gran Reserva 42.5%, Valdespino

Appearance
Light amber with bright golden highlights.
Nose
Fragrant and fresh with a slightly crisp and incredibly subtle almost Cognac character but with more notes of very fine almost dusty oak like a cabinet maker's workshop . It smells quite light yet quite intense with a hint of dried fruits, perhaps apricots and dates, and gentle Sherry notes, but this is unlike many Brandies de Jerez which have heavier Oloroso and PX aromas. Instead it has the elegance and grace only possible with many long years of ageing.

Palate 

Light,crisp and very classy with notes of caramel, blonde tobacco and oak. Despite its age this brandy has comparatively little tannin - with just enough to  balance it nicely with a very gentle
sweetness giving it a drier, lighter feel than many. It is supremely elegant and lingers for ages on a very satisfied palate. A few drops of water can be helpful.

Comments  

This very special Brandy de Jerez comes from a small solera laid down by the Valdespino family in 1842. It was intended as private stock for consumption only by the family and their friends, but some years after the sale of the firm to Grupo Estevez the latter decided to create the top quality Valdespino Rare Spirits range which includes an old Blended Malt Whisky and an old Rum, both also from Valdespino family stocks. The range was launched onto the market for the first time in 2016. The Brandy has an average age of over 30 years and was aged in hundred year old American oak butts well seasoned with Valdespino Fino and Amontillado. Availability is limited and this first batch consisted of 3,000 bottles. If you see it, buy it.

Price
50 euros, Licoreria Latina