The story goes that a cellar master in Jerez discovered some forgotten, mysterious casks tucked in a corner of the bodega back in 1889. What later became Carlos I is named after the Spanish king Charles I, portrayed on horseback by Titian after the Battle of Mühlberg.
Expert's Description
Carlos I Imperial XO is a Spanish Brandy de Jerez, bottled at 38%.
The brandy is produced by the house of Osborne, founded in 1772 in El Puerto de Santa María at the heart of the Jerez district, one of Spain's oldest and most respected houses in sherry and brandy. Carlos I is traditionally distilled from the Airén grape using alquitaras, pot stills of Arab origin.
Maturation follows the dynamic criaderas y soleras system, where younger and older brandy are continuously blended through a series of American oak casks that previously held sherry. For Imperial XO, the casks average more than 20 years old, giving the brandy an unusual depth.
The dynamic system means each bottle holds brandy of many different ages, brought together through decades of careful blending rather than a single vintage.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Vanilla and liquorice meet a deep sherry character from the old casks.
Palate
Soft and light on the palate, with a pleasant feel balanced by the vanilla and liquorice tones.
Finish
Medium length and round, with lingering sweetness and a hint of dried fruit.
Specifications
Name: Carlos I Imperial XO
Distillery: Carlos I, Osborne
Country: Spain
Type: Spanish Brandy de Jerez
Age: Average over 20 years, Solera
ABV: 38%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: American Oak, ex-Sherry
EAN no.: 8410337016087
Serving suggestion: Enjoy neat after the meal, ideally at room temperature
Flavour Profile
Vanilla · Liquorice · Sherry · Dried Fruit
Did You Know?
The Carlos I name comes from a painting by Titian depicting the Spanish king Charles I on horseback after the Battle of Mühlberg in 1548, and the portrait still adorns the bottle's label to this day.
