Fundador Solera

A note about the bottle: I'm uncertain if my spirit matches the one documented here, but this appears to be the closest option available. The spirit I possess is 40% ABV, contrasting with the listed 36%. This brandy is acceptable but doesn't particularly impress me. The scent offers a sweet impression reminiscent of fruitcake, featuring abundant grape, caramel, and vanilla notes, possibly with a touch of nuttiness. The flavor begins with grape and rapidly transitions to intensely sweet caramel. It borders on cloying but is somewhat balanced by tart fruit. The conclusion presents a subtle warmth, a whisper of spice, and traces of chocolate and caramelized sugar. The overwhelming sweetness is the dominant characteristic in both the aroma and flavor, exceeding my preference. It's not terrible by any means, just slightly excessive with the caramel, lacking other complex or unique tastes to captivate. It was quite affordable at $22. I found the bottle enjoyable but would likely not repurchase, as I favor other brandies, even those priced slightly higher (around $25-30).

Clear, tan color, with rather thick, even streaks running down the glass. Aroma: oak and grape skin astringency. Taste: similar, with brown sugar candy sweetness. Medium body, with a moderately long finish. Extremely smooth and somewhat rich. The sweetness is present in the taste, but the finish is surprisingly dry. Signed, Ronald Therl

Light on the palate with notes of raisin, gentle oak, and mild apricot. The sherry influence is noticeable in the finish, which is almost excessively sweet sherry. Very little rancio present. Not bad for someone starting out with Spanish brandy at a reasonable cost

At the San Angel Inn in Mexico City. Very rich throughout. It presents as cake with frosting, lemon, and black pepper on the nose. On the palate, it's sweet cake, grape, pepper, and lemon. A light finish. Sweeter than any brandy I can recall having.

The aroma is heavily alcoholic at first, then softens to a medley of fruits. It's sweet, yet possesses a sharpness. Best served chilled or mixed.