Asbach Uralt is a highly respected German brandy that is beloved by spirits enthusiasts around the globe. Its rich history spanning over a century is a testament to the German traditions, artistry, and unparalleled excellence in quality that it embodies. This article delves into the fascinating story behind this iconic brand, exploring its history, production process, unique characteristics, and enduring appeal.
Hugo Johann Asbach (1868 – 1935) was a German brandy producer. Asbach married twice and had 8 children in two marriages. In addition to his most famous product Asbach Uralt, he also invented brandy chocolates (brandy bean, cognac bean, Asbach praline). He trained as a distiller in Cologne, and continued his education in France. When he returned to Germany at the age of 24, he co-founded “Asbach & Co.” in Rüdesheim, taking over a local company. He was a co-founder of the “Association of German Cognac Distilleries” in 1896, which eventually became the “Association of German Wine Distilleries”.
– Hugo Asbach –
In 1892, Hugo Asbach founded his distillery in the charming town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, in the heart of the Rhine region, and this marked the beginning of the Asbach Uralt journey. As a visionary distiller, Hugo Asbach was dedicated to excellence and innovation, and he succeeded in creating a brandy that soon became a symbol of German craftsmanship. By meticulously selecting the best wines, distilling them with precision, and aging them in small, handcrafted oak barrels, he crafted a spirit that embodied his ideal of perfection – the renowned Asbach Uralt.
Asbach Uralt is made in a precise and time-honored manner. It all starts with a meticulous selection of quality wines made from various grape varietals produced in renowned German vineyards. These wines are distilled twice in traditional copper stills to preserve the aromatic properties of the grape and produce a smooth, refined distillate. The distilled alcohol is then aged in tiny Limousin oak barrels for several years, enabling it to acquire its flavor and mature.
– Theo Rausch –
The technique of mixing is an important element in the development of Asbach Uralt. Asbach’s master blenders, who have years of experience and knowledge, choose and combine various ages of brandies to obtain the required taste profile. This sophisticated procedure yields a harmonic marriage of fruity and flowery aromas with mild undertones of oak, resulting in a rich and balanced spirit that captivates the palate.
When it comes to Asbach Uralt, one is in for a sensory experience. Its amber tint draws you in with its warm and inviting appeal. On the nose, a symphony of scents develops, ranging from rich fruits to subtle spices. The palate is welcomed by a silky texture with each sip, as layers of flavors dance delicately, exposing notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of dark chocolate. Asbach Uralt can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as an elegant basis for traditional cocktails such as the Old Fashioned or the Sidecar.
The Rüdesheim am Rhein area is well-known for its beautiful vineyards and fine wines. This region in Germany is noted for its steep hills, terraced vineyards, and distinctive microclimate, all of which contribute to the production of high-quality grapes.
Rüdesheim is located on the Rhine’s right bank, at the foot of the Niederwald, in the Rheingau wine region. The town is part of the Frankfurt Rhine Main Region and the Rhine Gorge World Heritage Site. It boasts a charming Old Town and is located in the Rheingau scenery, which is famous for Rhine romanticism.
The Asbach experience goes beyond the spirit. The brand’s dedication to quality is reflected in the design of its packaging, which exudes elegance, refinement, and attention to detail. Each bottle of Asbach Uralt bears a special insignia that represents the company’s rich heritage and great craftsmanship. Asbach Uralt 8 Year, Asbach Uralt 15 Year, and Asbach 21 Year are also available, serving to discriminating connoisseurs wanting even greater complexity and depth.
Asbach Uralt is available in numerous expressions, each with its own distinct qualities and aging profiles from seasonal to 21-year aging. Asbach has a wide selection, and offers liqueurs, wines and chocolates filled with brandy.
In April 2019, Asbach Uralt, the long-standing flagship, was relaunched and now comes in a more modern and contemporary design. The alcohol volume drops by two percentage points to 36 percent, which deprives the Asbach Uralt of the protected designation “Deutscher Weinbrand”, which requires an alcohol content of at least 38 percent.
Asbach Uralt has released a limited edition street art edition, fusing the worlds of fine brandy and the vivid and expressive domain of street art.
The rare street art edition includes uniquely designed bottles embellished with intriguing artwork that contains vibrant colors, detailed details, and different styles. Each bottle is transformed into a painting, showcasing the combination of classic and contemporary art styles.
Advertisements for “old German cognac” appeared even before the First World War, but the Versailles Treaty specifically forbade German manufacturers from using the term “Cognac”. As a result, brandy became a generic term in Germany. It was incorporated into the German wine law in 1923.
Asbach Uralt is a timeless masterpiece that epitomizes German workmanship and heritage. It has a worldwide popularity due to its rich taste profile, velvety texture, and persistent devotion to quality. It adds finesse and depth to any libation as a flexible cocktail foundation. Asbach Uralt is a sign of heritage, carrying on the legacy of its founder, Hugo Asbach, and upholding the traditions that have made it an industry legend. It is proof of outstanding distillation, passion, and the eternal fascination of fine spirits. Asbach Uralt, whether neat or blended, delivers a delightful trip of refinement and elegance.
The flexibility of Asbach Uralt makes it an excellent choice for combining in cocktails. Here are a few traditional and popular cocktail recipes that use Asbach Uralt:
Did you know Asbach Uralt has a one-of-a-kind claim to fame in the world of spirits? It is the only brandy that has ever been used in the making of a drink served aboard the Concorde, the famed supersonic passenger aircraft. The drink, known as “The Concorde,” was a sophisticated combination of Asbach Uralt, champagne, and orange liqueur that provided passengers with a taste of refinement and elegance at 60,000 feet.
