Amos Mattingly
3.8
Three bottles from the collection were sampled after Christmas for a brandy tasting. We began in Portugal and moved east to Spain, finishing in France. This specific spirit is my first Portuguese brandy, also known as Aguardente. I observed the alcohol content is low at 38%, which appears to be common for this type. Aroma: Notes of caramel, apple, raisin, and a bit of alcohol. Palate: Quite sweet and fruity, smooth without being thin despite the low alcohol content. Flavors of apple, grape, and baking spice. Finish: Dries out, with notes of oak and burnt sugar. Considering the cost, it's a very respectable brandy. Superior to several young cognacs I've encountered.
