Asbach Uralt is the flagship of Germany's oldest brandy house, a Weinbrand distilled from selected wines and matured for at least three years in small Limousin oak casks in Rüdesheim am Rhein.
Hugo Asbach founded his distillery in 1892 in Rüdesheim am Rhein, a storied winemaking town on the Rhine. He is credited with coining the word Weinbrand for German grape brandy after the Treaty of Versailles reserved the word Cognac for French producers, and the term became official in German wine law in 1923. Uralt has carried that classification ever since.
The brandy is produced from carefully selected wines through traditional distillation, then rests for a minimum of three years in small Limousin oak barrels, several times longer than the legal minimum for German brandy. It is blended from many distillations, which gives it its smooth, well-integrated house style.
Expect ripe grapes, plums and nuts on the nose, with vanilla, honey and subtle spice on the palate, all carried by a mellow, rounded texture and a gentle oak finish. It is a classic after-dinner digestif, served neat or slightly warmed by cupping the glass in your hands.
Asbach Uralt is also the base of Rüdesheimer Kaffee, the famous German coffee drink created in 1957: brandy flamed with sugar cubes, topped with hot coffee and whipped cream, and finished with grated chocolate. A bottle with more than a century of tradition behind it.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Ripe grapes, plums, nuts.
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Palate: Vanilla, honey, subtle spice.
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Finish: Mellow and rounded, gentle oak.
Specifications
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Producer: Asbach, Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany
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Founded: 1892 by Hugo Asbach
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Style: German Weinbrand
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Age: Minimum 3 years in small Limousin oak casks
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Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat after dinner, or make a Rüdesheimer Kaffee with sugar, hot coffee, whipped cream and grated chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Weinbrand?
German grape brandy; Hugo Asbach is credited with coining the term.
How long is it aged?
At least three years in small Limousin oak casks.
What is Rüdesheimer Kaffee?
A German coffee drink made with Asbach, sugar, coffee and whipped cream, created in 1957.
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