Sample 3 cl Asbach 8 years old Uralt Privatbrand German Brandy 40%

A small bottle, a big taste. Sometimes the best way to get to know a spirit is not to open a full bottle at all, but to pour out 3 cl and take your time.

Expert's Description

Sample 3 cl Asbach 8 Year Uralt Privatbrand is a German Brandy from the Asbach distillery, bottled at 40%.

Asbach was founded in 1892 by Hugo Asbach in Rüdesheim am Rhein, and the name is today virtually synonymous with German brandy. When the Treaty of Versailles after the First World War banned the use of the word cognac outside France, it was Hugo Asbach himself who coined the term Weinbrand, which became an official category under German wine law in 1923.

Asbach is double-distilled in copper stills from selected German Rhine wines and then aged in small oak casks, where the spirit slowly gains colour and body. This Uralt Privatbrand edition has aged 8 years, giving it more depth than the house's standard 3-year bottling.

The 3 cl format is meant precisely for getting to know a classic German brandy style without committing to a full bottle.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Ripe grapes and caramel, with a light nutty undertone from the cask.

Palate

Soft and round, with notes of dried fruit and a mild spice that sets it clearly apart from a French cognac's style.

Finish

Short to medium, warm and lightly sweet.

Specifications

Name: Asbach 8 Year Uralt Privatbrand
Distillery: Asbach
Country: Germany
Type: German Brandy
Age: 8 years
ABV: 40%
Size: 3 CL
Cask type: German oak
Serving suggestion: Ideal as a small tasting sample, best enjoyed at room temperature

Flavour Profile

Grapes · Caramel · Dried fruit · Spice

Did You Know?

The word Weinbrand, still used for German brandy today, exists solely because the Treaty of Versailles banned German producers from calling their spirit cognac after the First World War.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sample 3 cl Asbach 8 Year Uralt Privatbrand German Brandy 40%

What is the difference between a Weinbrand and a cognac?

Weinbrand is the German term for grape-based brandy, while cognac is a protected term reserved for spirits distilled in the Cognac district of France – both are made using similar principles.

Why is this Asbach sold as a 3 cl sample?

The sample format makes it possible to taste a spirit before investing in a full bottle, or simply to keep several different tasting experiences on hand.

How should an opened sample be stored?

Upright, cool and away from direct sunlight, just like a regular bottle of brandy.

Is 8 years old for German brandy?

Yes, many German Weinbrand brands are sold without an age statement or with much shorter ageing, so an 8-year Uralt edition sits at the mature end of the category.

Which glass suits a sample like this?

An ordinary brandy or cognac glass with a round bowl works fine, even in a small format.

Can Asbach be used in cocktails?

Yes, Asbach is a classic ingredient in German Rüdesheimer coffee and generally works well in warm drinks with coffee and cream.