Brandy Sandeman: what a connoisseur and a buyer need to know
Spanish drinks "Sandeman" are familiar to every admirer of high-quality grape spirits: for more than two centuries, they have been well-deservedly recognized among connoisseurs of strong alcoholic beverages for their excellent taste. The sherry brandy produced under the company's logo is known as one of the best in the world.
You can recognize the brand's products by the original bottle with the image of a mysterious man in black, which appeared on the labels for a reason.
What you need to know about the Sandeman brand
A stranger with a glass in his hand
Named Don, was created by a Scottish artist inspired by the films about the fearless Zorro, 1928.
The picture appeared on Sandeman labels a little later - in 1935.
Over time, the logo began to symbolize high quality and loyalty to tradition, and Don became one of the most popular heroes of the alcohol industry.
Sandeman was founded in London in 1790
A young Scotsman who dreams of making money in the spirits trade.
To start the oldest brand, George Sandeman, who grew up in a family of ordinary cabinetmakers, had to borrow 300 pounds from his father.
Development and growth
In 1811, the company's possessions were supplemented by a spacious administrative building and spacious cellars in the Portuguese city of Porto.
A beautiful building with arcades overlooking the Gaia embankment has been preserved to this day: in the old cellars, under a layer of centuries-old dust, bottles of valuable brandy from 1870 are waiting for their time.
Now it's official
It's funny, but the trademark "George Sandeman & Co", which had been used to label wine barrels since the beginning of the 19th century, was registered only in 1877.
By that time, the management of the farm had already passed into the hands of George's sons.
A little later - in 1879 - the company's wine center moved to the south of Spain - to the famous city of Jerez, where it is still located today.
Growth of brand popularity
With the onset of the 20th century, the company's owners began to conduct an active advertising campaign using all available means: newspaper ads, free delivery of samples to customers' homes, production of souvenirs with brand symbols, use of paintings by famous artists on posters and labels, etc.д.
The most successful for the company was the decision to put an original symbol on the brand's bottles in the form of a mysterious man in a black cloak and hat.
In 2001, the company became part of the Sogrape Vinhos S.A."
Which had a positive impact on the promotion policy and sales.
At the moment, the oldest brand produces not only brandy, sherry и port, but also madeira and table wines.
People in more than a hundred countries are familiar with the brand's products.
21 bottles
This is how many bottles of Sandeman are sold every minute in the world!
Specifics of Sandeman production
Sherry brandy belongs to the category of beverages protected by origin.
This spirit is made only in a certain region in strict accordance with the technology:
The raw materials used are grapes of certain varieties (Palomino and Irene), which are grown in Spain on the banks of the Douro River.
The region is characterized by a special microclimate: the plantations are protected from the wind by mountains, an abundance of sun and humid air masses ensure good ripening of the fruit.
The berries are harvested and sorted exclusively by hand, after which they are pressed, the must is allowed to ferment and the young wine is sent for distillation.
Selected grape distillates are subjected to long aging in special sherry barrels using the "solera" technology.
This system involves a multi-stage mixing of "old" and "young" spirits.
The maturation period of brandy depends on the category of the drink.
Description of products and flavors of Sandeman
Sandeman Imperial
A balanced sweet drink of dark golden color, aged for 1 year in sherry barrels. О
It has a complex, rich aroma with notes of oak and vanilla.
Taste: full-bodied, round, refined, with tones of dried fruit and a long sherry finish. Strength - 40%.
Sandeman Capa Negra
The drink is aged for a year in oak barrels and blended with old Gran Reserva cognacs.
The result is a well-balanced, refined brandy with oak and vanilla hints, a rich, lingering sherry flavor and a honey-golden color. Strength - 36% alcohol content.
Sandeman VVO
A special drink of the "Gran Reserva" category, aged in 100-year-old oak sherry barrels, which provide it with a smooth and delicate texture.
The brandy has an intense mahogany color with a slight iodine hint.
The aroma contains tones of chocolate and raisins.
Taste: soft, velvety, delicate, with notes of old Oloroso sherry. Alcohol content - 40%.
How to drink Sandeman brandy
In its pure form as a digestif.
As a part of refreshing long drinks, mixed with ice, cola, supplemented with a slice of lemon.
The optimal serving temperature is room temperature (16-18 °C) or a couple of degrees warmer. Can be combined with meat dishes, grilled vegetables, coffee.
Update: 01.03.2019
Category: Brandy and Cognac