Torres Jaime I Brandy 700ml
Although Cognac, France dominates the modern brandy market, it is not the only producer of exceptional grape based spirits. Over the past century, strong marketing has helped elevate Cognac to the top of the brandy hierarchy, with several houses becoming cultural icons. Meanwhile, other regions with long distilling traditions have often remained less prominent, highlighting the global influence of Cognac.
Nevertheless, outstanding grape spirits are produced elsewhere, often attracting far less attention. Both Australia and South Africa continue to craft world class brandies. Notably, a single estate South African brandy produced by KWV was awarded “Best Brandy in the World” at the 2010 London International Spirits Competition. Australia also produces some exceptional XO style brandies.
Spain: The quiet giant of brandy
Spain is the second largest brandy producer after France and has a rich distilling heritage dating back to the 8th century, when Arab influences helped introduce distillation techniques. For many years, Spanish raw spirit was exported to the Netherlands, but during the phylloxera crisis of the 1880s that devastated French vineyards, Spanish brandy briefly became a popular alternative to Cognac.
Today, two Spanish regions hold Denominación de Origen protection for brandy, namely Jerez, Andalucía, Spain and Penedès, Catalonia, Spain. In Jerez, most of the grapes, particularly Airén and Palomino varieties, are cultivated in La Mancha, Spain before being transported for ageing in Sherry casks, a practice that strongly shapes the flavour profile. Fino casks impart light, nutty characteristics, Oloroso casks create deeper, richer tones, while Pedro Ximénez casks contribute intense dried fruit sweetness. Ageing typically takes place in 500 litre American oak barrels using the traditional solera system.
Penedès: Cognac’s spiritual cousin
The region of Catalonia, Spain offers a style closer to Cognac in both grape selection, often including Ugni Blanc, and production methods such as pot still distillation and maturation in French oak from Limousin, France. However, producers such as Bodegas Torres combine French inspiration with Spanish tradition, frequently using solera ageing to craft complex, balanced spirits.
The solera system, familiar to sherry enthusiasts, blends multiple vintages to maintain consistency and complexity. Over time, younger brandy gradually absorbs the character of older stocks, a process which Spanish producers poetically describe as the older spirit “teaching” the younger.
Torres: A refined expression
Although Torres is a large scale producer, it retains a strong artisanal philosophy. Its brandies are not intended to replicate Cognac, but instead offer a richer style with notes of stewed fruit, spice cake and a subtle influence reminiscent of aged Rutherglen Muscat, while keeping sweetness carefully restrained. This style particularly appeals to those who prefer depth and balance, especially if contemporary Cognacs feel overly sweet or commercial.
For those who have visited Barcelona, Spain, the Gaudí inspired bottle design, created by architect Tanaka, provides a final elegant and distinctive touch.
