Lepanto 12 Year Old Solera Gran Reserva Brandy De Jerez 750mL

Lepanto Oloroso Viejo Solera Gran Reserva Brandy De Jerez

Distillation:
Lepanto stands out as the sole Brandy de Jerez exclusively distilled in Jerez, with its foundation being the Palomino grape variety. It employs only the finest Palomino musts, predominantly extracted from the pneumatic Wilmes presses. The must is rigorously double-distilled in two Charentais pot stills located in the Los Arcos cellar of González Byass in Jerez - an honor making it the unique brandy distilled in Jerez. The revered master distiller, Luis Trillo, meticulously selects the core of the distilled spirit, eliminating the heads and tails. This core, referred to as Holanda, encapsulates the epitome of purity and quality. It emits fragrances of pear, pineapple, and banana, a result of the detailed alcoholic fermentation of Palomino wines.

Aging:
Lepanto's Holanda undergoes maturation in 600-liter American oak barrels, which once housed sherry, strictly adhering to the exclusive Solera system of Jerez. For Lepanto, the spirit matures for nine years in barrels that formerly contained Tio Pepe. It then experiences an additional three-year maturation in barrels that previously nurtured sweet 30-year-old Oloroso Matusalem. This cumulative process results in an average maturation period of 12 years, thereby crowning it the title of Solera Gran Reserva.

Master Blender's Notes:
Owing to Lepanto's choice of premium-quality must and its meticulous distillation process, this brandy exudes finesse and elegance. It showcases a bright topaz hue, interspersed with orange and golden shades. The nose is graced with delicate aromas of caramel and vanilla, combined with toasted undertones and a whisper of wine, a tribute to its cask maturation. The palate is distinguished by its dry and delicate profile, accentuated with hints of toasted almonds derived from the Tio Pepe barrels and the raisin notes from the Matusalem casks.