Harveys Bristol Cream Original Superior Sherry
Harveys Bristol Cream Original Superior Sherry is a 17.5% ABV, 750mL cream sherry from Jerez, Spain — DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry. Created in Bristol in 1882 as a creamier successor to Bristol Milk, it blends four sherry styles — Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez — from soleras aged between 3 and 20 years, on a grape base of 80% Palomino and 20% Pedro Ximénez, at 138 g/L residual sugar. Harveys, founded in Bristol in 1796, now centres production in Jerez. The US bottling is documented at 17.5% ABV by the importer's sell sheet. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 17.5% (US bottling, per importer sell sheet)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Cream sherry — sweetened fortified wine, non-vintage
- Grapes: 80% Palomino, 20% Pedro Ximénez
- Blend: Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez wines
- Ageing: Solera system — component soleras aged 3 to 20 years, in American oak
- Sweetness: 138 g/L residual sugar
- Producer: Harveys — founded Bristol 1796; Bristol Cream created 1882; production centred in Jerez
The Original Cream Sherry, from Bristol to Jerez
Harveys began in 1796 shipping sherry in cask to Bristol and blending it there; in 1871 the firm committed to sherry alone, and in 1882 John Harvey II and his brother Edward created the richer style a visiting drinker supposedly named on the spot — "if that is Milk, this must be Cream." Bristol Cream defined the cream sherry category: the Pedro Ximénez brings fruit, the Oloroso complexity, the Fino and Amontillado aroma and elegance, all married through the solera system in Jerez's albariza country. Find it on the Harveys vendor page or among the dessert wine selection.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Mahogany with antique gold highlights. Nose: Delicate, fruity and fresh, with raisin and caramel hints. Palate: Smooth, creamy and elegant — candied orange, dried fruit and toasted almond in the classic profile. Finish: Long-lasting and velvety.
How to Enjoy
Serve chilled — the Harveys logo on the label turns blue at the correct temperature. Pour it in a wine glass, or over ice with a slice of orange. The importer suggests fruit salads, ice cream, cheese, cookies and desserts alongside.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cream sherry? A sweetened, blended style of sherry from Jerez, Spain. Bristol Cream combines Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez wines aged in solera.
How strong is Harveys Bristol Cream? The US bottling is 17.5% ABV per the importer's sell sheet. (UK bottlings are labelled 15.5% — a different market's figure.)
How long is it aged? It is a solera blend whose component wines range from 3 to 20 years in the system — there is no single age statement.
The cream sherry that named the style — pick up Harveys Bristol Cream at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
