Gonzalez Byass Apostoles Palo Cortado Sherry / 30 Year Old
Fortified 20% ABV ABV Gonzalez ByassProper grown-up drink
Picked this up after seeing it on a restaurant menu and wanting to try it at home. Really nutty and savoury with a dryness that keeps you going back for more. At £29 it's not cheap but honestly it lasts ages because you sip it slowly. Great with cheese and olives on a Friday night.
Not quite my thing
Got this as a birthday present from someone who knows I like sherry. It's definitely interesting — very dry and savoury, almost salty? But I think I prefer something a bit sweeter and fruitier. Quality is clearly there though, just not my style.
My new after-dinner go-to
Had this at a tapas place on holiday in Spain and tracked it down when I got home. It's warming without being boozy, and there's this lovely nutty richness that just lingers. Perfect in a small glass after dinner instead of whisky. Already on my second bottle.
Bit much for me
Bought this because the label looked fancy and I liked the idea of a 30 year old sherry. Found it quite intense and dry — very savoury almost like soy sauce? I can see why people rate it but I'd rather spend the £29 on a couple of nice reds to be honest.
Stole the show at dinner
Brought this to a dinner party and it was the talking point of the evening. Served it slightly chilled with some manchego and almonds and everyone loved it. That savoury, almost salty quality is so moreish. Gonzalez Byass clearly know what they're doing.
Really complex stuff
The wine shop guy recommended this when I said I wanted to try something different. 30 years old and you can tell — loads going on, nutty and rich but also weirdly fresh at the same time. The 20% alcohol doesn't hit you like you'd expect either. Would buy again but maybe not every week at that price.
Solid sherry, fair price
I've been getting into sherry lately and this Palo Cortado sits right in the middle between the lighter fino styles and the heavier ones. Nice balance of nutty and dry with a clean finish. £29 for a 30 year old wine is actually decent value when you think about it.