291911 Sun Feb 16 12:37:52 -0800 2003 6 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1591185 Since there's been some liquer discussions recently, I wonder what people think of Spanish Brandy for sipping. I've been buying the Gran Duque D'Alba from Jerez and I think it's better than Cognacs and Almagnacs costing twice as much. Sun Feb 16 12:37:52 -0800 2003 0 applehome 1 1591199 You have to be quite selective. Duque de Alba is pretty much the top of the barrel. The cheaper stuff is, well, cheaper stuff. Sun Feb 16 14:59:27 -0800 2003 1591185 0 Kirk 2 1591200 I would also rec the Jamie Primera and the Carlos Primera Both are up with the Alba S Sun Feb 16 15:04:21 -0800 2003 1591199 0 SImon Majumdar 1 1591204 Cardenal Mendoza brandy is also very unique, aged in sherry barrels and has a rich dense sherry backbone to it. Sun Feb 16 17:07:20 -0800 2003 1591185 0 StriperGuy 1 1591209 I haven't yet had the pleasure of sipping good Brandy de Jerez, but I definitely want to. My experience is limited to Fundador -- I've had one shot out of the bottle; it remains in the liquor cabinet untouched for approx. two years. I'm a big fan of cognac, generally smaller houses (Delamain, Hine). Which cognacs do you have in mind when comparing Gran Duque? What are the qualities you like in it? Cheers, Xochitl10 Sun Feb 16 19:26:54 -0800 2003 1591185 0 Xochitl10 2 1591235 I don't know the specifications for aging, but I expect that Solera Gran Reserva is VSOP or older (4 years +). The Alba is as smooth and mellow as some XO's - I suspect it's much older than 4. The Jerez brandies are aged in Sherry casks - they are dark and full bodied. My cabinet is full of mostly scotch - single malts and aged blends. I had gotten into after dinner sipping, and I started to try the cognacs and armagnacs at good restaurants. I quickly found out that the cheap stuff wasn't worth it, and the good stuff was very expensive. When a friend turned me onto the Alba, I was really surprised - I wasn't expecting something this good for the price. I've also bought the Mendoza - also a Solera Gran Reserva - and it's as tasty but not as smooth, probably closer to 4 years. I don't know how well regulated the Spanish brandies are compared to cognac. But hey - I love doing the research! Mon Feb 17 09:19:54 -0800 2003 1591209 0 applehome 3 1591246 Agreed. While I greatly enjoyed the Delamain Vesper (30+ years; dry, light, woody, wonderful) my dear friend bought for me after dinner in Boston, that's an indulgence that comes along rarely. My liquor source here in DC highly recommends the Cardenal Mendoza, which will probably be the next bottle in the cabinet, although your description of the Alba makes it sound attractive too. Here's a question for you, based on something Azami (the scotch drinker in the house) and I have noticed in sipping each other's spirits: Does the Spanish brandy have characteristics in common with any of your single malts? He doesn't generally like cognac because he thinks it tastes cloying, but is fine with Martell Cordon Bleu because it has earthy, soil-y qualities similar to some scotches. *drinks to research* Cheers, Xochitl10 Mon Feb 17 12:30:51 -0800 2003 1591235 0 Xochitl10