Gran Duque D'Alba Solera Gran Reserva Brandy de Jerez, launched in 1945 and named for Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, the Great Duke of Alba, is produced by Bodegas Williams & Humbert in Jerez, Spain. The brandy is aged more than 12 years in sherry-seasoned oak casks using the solera system and bottled at 40% ABV in 750ml format, with a suggested price of around $40.
The brandy feels hot on the gums, not exactly balanced, and though this wouldn't be something you'd grab to drink neat, this would make a nice substitution for aged rum in a cocktail.
Spanish brandy can often be a bit overwhelming, but the Gran Duque strikes a fine balance between richness and approachability, with plenty of character worth exploring. Best of all the price is approachable enough to encourage liberal cocktail experimentation efforts.
