Delving back in Brandy we get an offering not from the normally assumed France with cognac, or the awful American creations owned by a Mr E&J, but instead something south of our border in Mexico. With this we get Presidente brandy which is almost really good.
We do truly mean that. If it wasn’t for some aspect of the aftertaste that’s just ‘off’ and how it ruins most of everything else this would be a great brandy worthy of its name of “Presidente”. Sadly it’s not fantastic, and worst of all they have one of this ridiculous pour spouts.
What they Say: “Dicta la leyenda espanola que solo el mejor brandy merece ser reconocida. Ahora que Brandy Presidente cimple 50 anos, porta tradicion, nobleza, calidad, esfuerzo y experiencia, que desde 1956 fue plasmada por el legendario Don Pedro Domecq Gonzalez cuando emprendio el sueno de elaborar el mejor brandy de Mexico, Brandy Presidente.”
(Translation): Dictates the Spanish legend that only the best brandy deserves to be recognized. Now that Brandy Presidente is 50 years old, he carries tradition, nobility, quality, effort and experience, which since 1956 was shaped by the legendary Don Pedro Domecq Gonzalez when he undertook the dream of making the best brandy in Mexico, Brandy President
Taste: 7.5 – That smooth fulfilling initial taste is a beauty. It serves very well for a regular brandy.
Aftertaste: 3.5 – Sadly it ends with an almost tequila-like off-ness that mars the great taste.
Burn/Smooth: 4.0 – This also affects the smoothness which starts silky and ends dagger-y.
Aroma: 6.5 – It smells quite nice, nothing to wow or write home about, but still very good.
Honesty: 5.0 – On the one hand, major props for being straight up Spanish, and for overall having no wank. Truly the only complaint here is implying that a mere 50 years equates to “tradition, nobility, quality, effort and experience” here’s the thing. You can have that in 10 years or never have it in 200 – those traits are earned. While this does earn some of that, never imply beyond it because of a start date. The real sin and point draw here is that god awful pour spout that has ruined any and all chance of success.
Mixability: 6.25
W/ Rocks: 6.0 – It makes the grapes more a thing? Like it does remove some of the burns while also chipping away at the very nice taste. There is still the off-ness though, and it truly does taste more grape-like.
Sidecar: 6.5 – It’s an okay sidecar. Quite drinkable and enjoyable, but there are certainly better ones.
Value: 7.0 – That’s actually quite a good value at 14 dollars, especially with how it mellows over ice.
Google Shop Average: $14
Website: https://www.liquor.com/brands/presidente-brandy/
Reviewer Scores:
BuffaloJern: 5.5
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Metric Score: 39.75/70 |+| Metric Average: 5.68 |+| Reviewer Average: 5.5
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Final Thoughts: If there is praise here, it’s this. Should you be faced with a choice where E&J is on the other side of the door, choose this. Every time.
The ABSOLUTE worst brandy EVER.
It’s not that bad! For roughly $14 it’s a great entry into the brandy world. I recommend purchasing “Presidente” and a higher-end $40ish bottle to compare. You’ll see that the higher end tastes better, but you’ll also say “not bad” with regard to Presidente. The pouring spout is worth the price of admission.
The Tequila ‘offness’ is part of what I love about Presidente. It’s not meant to taste like Hennessey, ffs. It’s primarily intended to please Mexican tastes and if the rest of the planet loves or hates it really doesn’t matter.
Mix with Coca Cola, squirt in some lime and enjoy.
Has a unique “buttery” taste that I love! Sent