Lustau Solera Gran Reserva Finest Selection Brandy
By law, Brandy de Jerez has to be matured in barrels that have been seasoned with sherry for at least three years. In the case of Finest Selection, this is around 15 years in a mixture of Amontillado, Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks, but the barrels themselves are 40-50 years old, which means they’re more than just quickly seasoned.
The nose on this brandy is lush as could be. Raisins and figs, milk chocolate, thick caramel and vanilla syrup. Molasses and sticky toffee pudding. Crushed almonds. In the background there are hints of exotic woods and soft spices (clove, cinnamon).
The palate confirms that lush hunch the nose had with a big hit of sweetness. You can really feel the Pedro Ximénez here. Lots of dried fruits, mainly dates chocolate coated figs, sprinkled with caramel. Rum & raisins. Candy apple. After the initial wave of sweetness, it settles down on hazelnuts and spices (pepper, cinnamon) and just a hint of smoked wood. Long, dark and sweet finish. Bottled at 40% abv.