Cardenal Mendoza Brandy

[Delucacheesemonger]

Just got for a present, how good of a present is it ?

[Josh]

Fantastic stuff. I love it. Definitely meant for sipping neat.

[penthouse pup]

I believe it's aged in sherry casks. If you do like this style, Grand Duque d'Alba is also very rich. Lepanto also now is distributing two versions aged in either Oloroso or PX casks in addition to their usual line.

[RedPorchetta]

I think it's a cool gift! It's wild stuff and seriously tasty IMHO. My local wine merchant had cases upon cases which sat in a mountain against a back wall for ages. I finally tried one--got hooked, and wound up going through that pyramid single-handedly over the next year or two.

Like zin1953 said, it's brandy, and shares nothing with Cognac or Armagnac, but I found the Cardinal Mendoza to be one of the most profound and complex spirits I've ever tasted. It's been so long, but roasted nuts; coffee; toffee; orange peel; maple, spice, cocoa; and a very interesting celery note are some the flavors I remember getting. It may not be for everyone, but it's surely not lacking in character. Hope it hasn't changed... enjoy!

[zin1953]

Personally, I enjoy it a great deal.

Obviously Brandy de Jerez is very different than Cognac and Armagnac, but it's one of the top ones in the US marketplace.

[OldFashionedWhiskey]

Quick search reveals it is a sipping brandy. Never had it, but it sounds interesting. Let us know how you like it.