Where Imperial XO draws its depth from casks that have rested for decades, Solera Gran Reserva is a more youthful, yet still sherry-driven expression from the same house, where the aroma of the former sherry casks remains clear in the glass.
Expert's Description
Carlos I Solera Gran Reserva Sherry Cask is a Spanish Brandy de Jerez, bottled at 40%.
Like the rest of the house's brandy, Carlos I Solera Gran Reserva is produced by Osborne, founded in 1772 in El Puerto de Santa María, and is traditionally distilled using alquitaras, pot stills of Arab origin.
Maturation follows the same dynamic criaderas y soleras system as the rest of the range, but here the casks average around 10 years old, giving a fresher, more sherry-forward style than the much older Imperial XO.
The shorter ageing means the character from the former sherry casks is more prominent, while the brandy's own sweetness and spice keep the balance.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Vanilla and liquorice sit close to a clear sherry tone.
Palate
Soft and light on the palate, with a pleasant roundness where the sherry's dryness meets the brandy's sweetness.
Finish
Short to medium, with a final, dry sherry note.
Specifications
Name: Carlos I Solera Gran Reserva Sherry Cask
Distillery: Carlos I, Osborne
Country: Spain
Type: Spanish Brandy de Jerez
Age: Average 10 years, Solera
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Ex-Sherry Cask
EAN no.: 8410337017084
Serving suggestion: Enjoy neat after the meal, ideally at room temperature
Flavour Profile
Vanilla · Liquorice · Sherry · Spice
Did You Know?
Both Solera Gran Reserva and Imperial XO come from the same dynamic solera system at Osborne, but because the solera is constantly drawn from and replenished with younger brandy, the two expressions are never quite identical from bottle to bottle.
