Cardenal Mendoza Nebulis Rare Cask Finished Brandy
40% ABV (80 proof) | 700mL | Solera Gran Reserva: 15-year base, vine-shoot-cask finish | Jerez de la Frontera, Spain — Cardenal Mendoza Nebulis is the experimental limited expression of Spain's classic Brandy de Jerez — a 15-year Solera Gran Reserva base given a rare second aging in 250-litre barrels intensely toasted with vine shoots from the house's own Jerez vineyards.
Made by Bodegas Sánchez Romate — producing Cardenal Mendoza since 1887, first only for the family's private consumption — Nebulis starts with holandas de alquitaras aged through the traditional Criaderas & Solera system in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry-seasoned casks, then picks up an elegant vine-shoot smoke from the toasted "rare cask" finish, layered over the classic dried fruit, toasted oak, and sherry sweetness. The name comes from the Latin word for mist or cloud, and the spirit is bottled non chill-filtered. Dark mahogany, fresh tobacco spice, integrated smoke — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Tasting notes
Dark intense mahogany. Nose: opens softly, building smoky intensity. Palate: fresh tobacco spice, elegant vine-shoot smoke, classic PX/Oloroso sweetness, dried fruit, toasted oak. Finish: long, elegant.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- World's-first style finish — Brandy de Jerez finished in vine-shoot-toasted casks
- 15-year Solera Gran Reserva base — Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez seasoned casks
- Non chill-filtered; from Bodegas Sánchez Romate, making Cardenal Mendoza since 1887
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat in a brandy snifter at room temperature, given a few minutes to open — the smoky character builds in the glass. Excellent after dinner.
Frequently asked questions
What does "Nebulis" mean?
It comes from the Latin word for mist or cloud — a reference to the expression's unique production, not a filtration style (the spirit is actually non chill-filtered).
How is Nebulis different from regular Cardenal Mendoza?
The base is the same 15-year Solera Gran Reserva, but Nebulis gets a second aging in 250-litre barrels toasted with vine shoots from the house's own vineyards, adding a smoky dimension.
What is the ABV?
40% ABV (80 proof).