Using more than 200 years of craftmanship, passion and experience, Cardenal Mendoza has been making their top-class brandy in Jerez de la Frontera sine 1887.
Using traditional systems of Solera and Criaderas, Cardenal Mendoza is aged in a collection of casks previously seasoned with Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry. The result is a stunning spirit that works well neat and in cocktails.
Cardenal Mendoza Sanchez Romate
The Spirit Is Named After A Historic Figure
While the Sánchez Romate Family started producing brandy in 1887, the brand is named after a historical figure from the 15th century. The first Cardenal Mendoza was a counsellor to King Fernando II and Queen Isabel I. Don Pedro González de Mendoza was a confidante of the queen and played a critical role in supporting the unification of Spain and the first voyage of Columbus.
Cardenal Mendoza Sanchez Romate
You Can Transform Your Cooking With Just A Splash
Thanks to its dynamic flavor profile, Cardenal Mendoza Brandy can add a bold element to a range of recipes. Desserts are the most obvious pairing – adding a few splashes to chocolate mousse, chestnut puree, and tiramisu brings an elegant and rich sweetness without being overpowering. The brandy also pairs fabulously with good quality meats. It brings a bold flavor
Cardenal Mendoza Brandy Pairings
You Can Make Better Cocktails
In the last few years, bartenders worldwide have been experimenting with brandy more regularly because it has a dynamic flavor profile that adds layers of flavor when used as both a modifier and as a stand-alone spirit in a cocktail. Before whisk(e)y, gin, and vodka, most classic cocktails were meant to be built with brandy or cognac. Mixing up a classic with Cardenal Mendoza brings an unexpected flavor palate and adds a new, dynamic layer of flavor. What’s interesting about Cardenal Mendoza is that it works just as well in complicated cocktails as it does in simple mixes. One of the favorite ways to drink Cardenal Mendoza in Spain and Mexico is over ice with coca cola and a slice of lime for a flavorful take on a Cuba Libre.
Cardenal Mendoza Brandy and chocolates
Cardenal Mendoza Is Easy To Pair
One of the many advantages of Cardenal Mendoza is that it’s easy to pair with a wide range of foods and experiences. To understand why it works so well, you need to know the tasting notes. Thanks to the sherry seasoned barrels the spirit is aged in there are hints of Pedro Ximénez sherry notes. The nose is well rounded, clean, and elegant while the palate is smooth, balanced, and warming with a long finish. The flavor is richly intense with notes of dried fruit, burnt caramel and oak.
One of the more abstract pairings for the brandy is a good cigar – Habana in particular is recommended. The experience of slowly smoking a cigar while sipping a glass of Cardenal Mendoza helps draw out the flavors of each. The spirit also plays well as a pairing with both chocolate and coffee. With chocolate, the darker the better, as the fruity notes of the spirit allow you to appreciate the bitter notes of cacao more thoroughly.
When used as a pork marinade, and when adding a splash to a pan-fried steak it brings out the flavor while adding subtle sweet notes.
The post 4 Things You Didn’t Know About Cardenal Mendoza appeared first on Chilled Magazine.
Source: Mixology News
