The jerez brandy, exquisite drink
Hello! Today, from Venerable Capital, we want to talk to you about The Jerez Brandy, an exquisite drink that is considered liquid gold. And it is no wonder. We tell you how it is obtained and what types we find.
Jerez Brandy, Do you know this drink?
Brandy is an alcoholic beverage that originated in the 16th century in Holland. It is obtained by aging the grape brandy. It is a generous wine because its degree of alcohol is between 35 ° to 45 °. Its strong and robust flavor is due to distillation in noble woods.
Its appearance in Spain was accidental, when shipments of Dutch brandy were slow to reach their destination and the wine spent time in the barrels. When reviewing its content, they realized that the liquor had changed its properties due to prolonged contact with the wood, thus providing an exquisite flavor.
Brandy is a beverage that has been appreciated for its flavor and quality throughout history. Its aging process can last from a few years to decades, giving it a unique and distinctive character. In some cultures, brandy is consumed as an aperitif or digestif, while in others it is used as an ingredient in cocktails and desserts. Due to its intense flavor and high alcohol content, brandy should be consumed in moderation.
Brandy has evolved over time and has given rise to different varieties and brands around the world. Some of the most prominent producing countries are Spain, France and Mexico, although it is also produced in other regions such as South Africa, the United States and Australia.
Characteristics of Jerez Brandy
Sherry brandy has unique organoleptic characteristics, which are obtained by oak wood vessels, allowing a particular aging process.
The exclusive climatic conditions of the Jerez area make it acquire its distinguished personality, differentiate itself from other brandies and it is considered a wine distillate with geographical boundaries.
It has an alcohol content between 36% and 45% and has a dark amber color and an aroma of vanilla, nuts and spices. Its flavor is smooth and complex, with notes of wood and nuts, and a slightly sweet finish.
At Venerable Capital we have this spectacular drink, Bernardo Gálvez, a wonderful sherry brandy.
Elaboration and distillation process of Jerez Brandy
For its elaboration, healthy airén type grapes are used and to a lesser extent palomino type, which produce white, clean and balanced wines that will be used in the distillation.
This delicate process is highly technical and requires the evaporation of the elements of the raw material, producing a low-alcohol spirit called “holandas“. To get 1 liter of the best Jerez brandy, it is necessary to use the best of 3 liters of clean wine and the rest is discarded.
Once the holanda is obtained, it is aged in American oak casks previously filled with sherry wine. During the aging process in the soleras and criaderas, the brandy acquires its amber color and develops complex aromatic and taste notes that make it a unique and exquisite drink.
Vessels and aging of Jerez Brandy, an exquisite drink
The aging process must be at least 6 months but varies according to the category of brandy, from Solera to Gran Reserva, the latter being the most exclusive and sophisticated. Each bottle of brandy de Jerez is the result of a careful and artisanal process that combines tradition, experience and passion for quality.
It is made in American oak casks that have previously been wrapped with some type of wine. And depending on the type of wine with which it has been bottled, Sherry brandies will have characteristics that vary from one brand to another.
Wooden casks, in general, have a balanced capacity of between 500 and 600 liters. The last process is the aging of brandy de Jerez, which is carried out using traditional systems of criaderas and solera or a mixed method may be applied.
Types of Jerez brandy, an exquisite drink
In order to achieve an authentic Sherry brandy, it is important that the necessary aging time has passed to achieve the subtlety and distinction that characterizes it.
According to this type of aging, 3 types of Jerez brandy can be obtained:
- Brandy de Solera: The youngest of the brandies and its characteristic flavor is fruity. Its aging takes place from 6 months to a year, with a smooth and well-integrated flavor.
- Solera Reserva: A mature brandy and its aging time is 1 to 3 years. Its flavor is warm and sweet, very well balanced.
- Solera Gran Reserva: The largest of the brandies because its aging process is 10 years, flavor very well integrated with wood and nuts.
Brandy de Jerez and pairing
Due to the depth of its flavor and its delicate aroma, Jerez brandy is one of the favorites when it comes to eating. It is not only considered an aperitif, but it is also an excellent accompaniment to savory and sweet dishes.
Fine Jerez brandy is combined with a variety of tapas, Iberian hams, fish and Japanese food. On the other hand, chamomile is consumed with white fish, shellfish, soft cheeses and soups.
Sherry from Amontillado is used to accompany white meats, blue fish and cured cheeses. Brandy Oloroso is combined with highly cured cheeses, red meats, game meats and bluefin tuna, while the cut stick is suitable for smoked, roasted and stewed meats, as well as all kinds of desserts and chocolates.
The Jerez Brandy consumption
The versatility of Jerez brandy has preserved its essence for traditional palates, but it has also adapted to the demands of new generations and changes over time.
If you are passionate about Jerez brandy and want to enjoy its wonderful personality and unique flavor, soou can take it dry or with ice, without any other type of supplement.
But if you want to experience new sensations, it can be combined with ginger ale for a refreshing and jovial drink. Cocktail lovers, too, come to Brandy de Jerez, an opportunity to create cocktails by combining it with chocolate, and another famous companion is milk and cocoa cream, champagne, kahlúa, cinnamon and fine herbs. Its characteristic flavor and aroma make it a perfect ingredient to give a special touch to any drink. Some of the most popular cocktails using brandy de Jerez are the Sidecar, the Brandy Alexander and the Presidente.
In addition, brandy has been the subject of various traditions and rituals, especially in Spanish culture, where it is considered a prestigious drink and is used on special occasions. In some regions of Spain, brandy is served in hot glasses, to better appreciate its aroma and flavor. It is also used in the preparation of typical dishes such as meat sauce or crema catalana.
From Venerable Capital, we hope you liked the post and invite you to contact us to answer any questions about Brandy de Jerez or any other type of liquor. See you soon!
