Torres 20 Hors d'Age Brandy

Rating: 17/23 Torres 10 and 15 are full of flavor, but sweet and fairly uncomplex and immature with a confectioner's sugar flavor. They're solid ,but certainly nothing premium. I'm curious about this one, but restraining my optimism. N: Sweet raisins, figs, prunes, and other syrupy fruit. Vanilla, caramel, molasses. Some confectioner's sugar, but less than in the other releases. This is rich, syrupy, fruity decadence. Super rich and full. P: Super rich with nice fullness, though not the most viscous palate. Decadent vanilla and rich, dark, dried, syrupy fruits. Some minerality for sure, but it's not overwhelming. There's a bold vanilla flavor as well. Notes of glaceed apricots as well. Really, the maturity and complexity are nice. This is delicious. Very faint hints of baking spices. And very faint hints of licorice too. F: This dries out a bit, but there's still some sweetness, with vanilla and some lingering dried dark fruit backing, as well as minerals - Conclusion - Torres is slaying with this one! Absolutely terrific. Not the best thing I've ever tried, but it raises the bar so much over what the younger statements present. This tastes more youthful, vegetal, and sweet, with more of muddled character than A De Fussigny XO (18/23). It a more odd comparison than I'd expected. More ethanol and bite come out of the A De Fussigny. Hennessy XO (20/23) is clearly better than this. Dudognon Vielle Reserve (16/23) is less full and shows more ethanol, though it is cleaner with a more refined air. This one is clearly better. So I was thinking an 18 before comparisons, but now I'm thinking it might be more of a 17. Bladnoch 17 (17/12) is funky and musty in comparison, with some muddled flavors, even including some worthy notes. Challenging for sure. I like the mature decadence to the Bladnoch, but I'm inclined to give the win to this Torres. I'm now leaning toward a 17, but I can see an 18.

far from god-revelation-experience but a really nice example of top notch aged brandy. definitely not a cognac - that’s a momentarily guessable feature, yet still a great companion for a cozy evening prunes, caramel, warm pastry with toffee and nougat, vanilla hints and milk chocolate layers

I'd been looking forward to trying this one, but can't say that I care much for the flavor profile, nor is it especially smooth. Tried sipping it neat, with ice, etc. I wouldn't normally use such an expensive spirit for a cocktail but it actually makes a very good hot toddy.

I was looking forward to tasting this brandy. it had all the ingredients to being great: made in the style of a cognac and from a good brand. And while it is good it leaves sth to be desired. it doesn't taste moreish to me.

Very pleasant delicate Brandy.

florish, long strong taste