Monday, August 11, 2008

Gran Duque de Alba Holiday Gift Package

A luxury gift for the brandy aficionado is Gran Duque de Alba Solera Gran Reserva, the world's top-rated Brandy de Jerez from Spain. This holiday season, a special gift box will be available containing a 750ml bottle of Gran Duque de Alba and a large embossed glass snifter. The average retail is $49.99.

Gran Duque de Alba is an ultra smooth premium brandy aged 12 years in oak casks under Spain's time honored solera system of fractional blending. The result is a rich mahogany spirit with aromas of toasted nuts, caramel, vanilla, dark fruit and spice with a smooth after-taste. Gran Duque de Alba was awarded gold medals this year from both the San Francisco International Spirits Competition and the Beverage Testing Institute.

Brandy de Jerez is one of only three place-specific appellations for brandy, the others being Cognac and Armagnac in France. The D.O. of Jerez is closely controlled by a Consejo Regulador (regulatory council) to ensure that strict production and ageing processes are met to make the finest brandy in the world.

"This is an indulgent gift for anyone who wants to make a statement and who enjoys a fine sipping spirit," said Abbey Glaser, director of marketing for Kindred Spirits of North America, importer for Gran Duque de Alba. "It is also makes a beautiful gift package."

The distinguished bottle with a photograph of the Duke of Flanders on the label and an elegant red wax seal was designed by renowned ceramic artist Antoni Cumella. For an even richer experience, Gran Duque de Alba Oro Solera Gran Reserva Especial is an ultra premium brandy aged a minimum of 25 years through seven separate soleras. Average retail price is $150/bottle.

Gran Duque de Alba is produced by Williams & Humbert, a world renowned bodega located in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain that is the largest winery in Europe with more than 1,200 acres of vineyards. Their portfolio includes Dry Sack, the world's #1 Sherry; Gran Duque de Alba, the world's top rated Brandy de Jerez; Dry Sack 15 rare aged Sherry; Crema de Alba cream liqueur; and Dos Maderas dual-aged rum. www.williams-humbert.com. Gran Duque de Alba is imported by Kindred Spirits of North America, Miami. www.kindredspiritsusa.com.