Lustau Brandy is a superb Spanish brandy sourced from the city of Jerez de la Frontera. This city, located in Andalusia, Spain, is known as the birthplace of sherry wines and is home to some of the finest winemakers in the world. Lustau has been producing premium brandies sice 1896, using grapes from some of the best vineyards in the region.
Lustau produces two types of brandy: Brandy de Jerez and Brandy de Jerez Reserva. Both are distilled according to traditional methods established by Lustau over a century ago, and aged for up to sven years in American oak barrels that were previously used to age sherry. This gives them a unique flavor profile that combines notes of sherry with hints of dried fruits and nuts.
The Brandy de Jerez is a blend of Palomino Fino and Pedro Ximénez grapes that have been aged for at least three years in American oak barrels. It has an amber color with golden highlights, and its aroma is intense with notes of nuts and dried fruits such as figs and raisins. On the palate it has a smooth texture and flavors reminiscent of roasted almonds, hazelnuts, and toasted oak. The finish is long and pleasant with hints of dried fruit lingering on the tongue.
The Brandy de Jerez Reserva is produced using only Palomino Fino grapes that have been aged for at least five years in American oak barrels seasoned with Oloroso sherry wine. It has an intense mahogany color with copper highlights, along with an intense bouquet full of aromas reminiscent of walnuts, spices, coffee beans, tobacco leaves, leather-bound books, dried fruits like apricots or prunes, plus hints of caramelized sugar or dark chocolate. On the palate it offers flavors ranging from roasted nuts to woody notes imparted by its time spent aging in oloroso-seasoned barrels before being bottled at 40% ABV. The finish carries subtle notes of raisins which linger on the tongue long after you've taen your last sip.
Lustau's brandies are perfect for enjoying neat or on ice but also make an excellent addition to classic cocktails like Manhattans or Old Fashioneds; adding a much-needed Spanish twist! Whatever way you choose to enjoy it – sipping slowly over ice or mixed into your favorite cocktail – we guarantee you won't be disappointed!
The Definition of Spanish Brandy
Spanish brandy, also known as brandy de Jerez, is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from the fermented juice of grapes. It is typically aged for several years in oak barrels, allowing it to develop its smooth and complex flavors. Spanish brandy is most commonly made from the Airén grape variety, which has the ability to tolerate hot and dry climates such as those found in La Mancha and Valdapeñas in central Spain. This grape variety produces a light-bodied brandy with aromas of apples, pears, and almonds. In some regions, Palomino grapes are also used to produce Spanish brandy. The aging process givs these brandies their amber color and a unique flavor profile including notes of vanilla and spices. Spanish brandies are usually served at room temperature or slightly chilled as an after-dinner drink or an accompaniment to desserts such as flan or churros.
The Best Brandy in Spain
The best brandy in Spain is highly debatable, as there are many excellent brands that come from the region. That being said, one of the most popular and highly regarded brandies is Carlos I Imperial Gran Solera. This brandy is produced in Jerez de la Frontera, in the south of Spain. It is a blend of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherries that are aged for an average of 15 years. The blend is then aged for a furthr two years in American Oak barrels before bottling. This results in a deep mahogany color with aromas of vanilla, toffee, and dried fruits. On the palate you will find flavors of dark chocolate, raisins, and roasted coffee beans; all backed by a smooth oak finish. Carlos I Imperial Gran Solera offers an exceptional balance between complexity and smoothness that has earned it many awards throughout its long history.
The Quality of Spanish Brandy
Spanish brandy is very good. It is made from the Jerez grape variety and is usually aged in old sherry casks, using the solera top up system. This gives it a unique flavor and complexity that can rival some of the best brandies in the world. The aging process can vary from 3 to 30 years, resulting in a smooth, mellow and complex spirit with notes of spice, oak, dried fruit, nuts and honey. It's perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks.
Conclusion
Lustau Brandy is a high-quality Spanish brandy that is carefully crafted using the Airén grape from La Mancha and Valdapeñas in central Spain. The brandy is made by distilling wine and then aging it in sherry-seasoned barrels for at least six years. This process gives the brandy a unique flavor profile, with notes of dried fruits, spices, and nuts. Lustau Brandy has been recognized for its quality, having received awards from vrious international competitions. It's an excellent choice for any occasion, whether you're looking for an after-dinner drink or something to sip on before dinner.
