Hardys X.O. Brandy (700ml)
Brandy actually has a long association with many of Australia’s pioneering family wineries and older bottlings remain one of the Australian Wine Industry’s true hidden gems - if you can find them. This extraordinary example is the product of over 150 years of winemaking experience at Hardy’s. Since 1853 when Thomas Hardy first established his wine company on the banks of the River Torrens in Adelaide, South Australia, the pursuit of refined excellence has been a consuming passion. In addition to the production of the renowned pot still 'Black Bottle Brandy', Hardy's have also earned the enviable reputation of producing one of the nation’s finest aged brandies.
Produced from warm climate Doradilla, Palomino & Sultana grapes, these varieties are most suited to brandy production because when picked at around 10-11 degrees Baume they produce a neutral, clean wine with high acid. As in Cognac, the wine is immediately transferred to pot stills for double distillation. Eighteen year old spirit forms the foundation of this brandy while further material in excess of thirty years old has been added to develop the desired levels of complexity, flavour and richness. Prolonged maturation takes place in premium Limousin oak casks from the forests near Cognac, France. Testament to this spirit’s pedigree is the fact that it has been awarded some 20 trophies and 21 gold medals since first being produced in 1996. Packaged in an exquisite decanter and satin lined box, the excitement and anticipation begins long before the cork is popped! This is an ideal gift, personal or corporate, guaranteeing unprecedented 'wows'.
Forget Cognac - This is better than the real thing!
Tasting Note: Wonderful deep golden brown colour with pale golden hue - Indicitatve of the Brandy's age. Abundant, rich aromas of plum pudding, vanilla, fine chocolate and sultana. Smooth, sweet and silky entry into a gently warming palate which is laden with mouthfilling flavours of spicy plum pudding, vanilla, chocolate, with a touch of cedar and leather, terrific texture, impeccably balanced. Spice and dark chocolate dominate the back palate. The finish is remarkable. Like Malcolm Blight's 1976 torpedo after the siren, incredibly long and straight, precision and power harmoniously combined. A distinguished spirit of the very finest quality, worthy of prominent place in any serious bar. 39% Alc/Vol.